Media Release

13 October 2008

Just Pass The Money On Minister

New Zealand First is extremely disappointed that David Cunliffe refuses to pass onto the eldercare sector what they entitled to, punishing our seniors through bureaucratic overkill in the health sector, says Winston Peters.

“Not only did the Minister allow DHBs to withhold half a percent from the April inflation adjustment – depriving seniors of millions of dollars – he has now failed to pass on the superannuation windfall from the 1 October adjustments.

“This is just not good enough.

“New Zealand First did not fight to get this extra money to see it absorbed by bungling bureaucracy. It was set aside for this sector and must be passed on to this sector.

“New Zealand First made a commitment to the eldercare sector of an annual CPI adjustment which would ensure that those seniors in care get the care they need, when they need it. We intend to see that promise kept and to see that the Minister is held to account on this front.

“After years of neglect the last thing this sector needs is a negligent Minister captured by the bureaucracy,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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