Ross Robertson
Opposition Spokesperson for Senior Citizens,

11 December 2009 Media Statement
Hands off travel subsidies for the elderly Mr Joyce

Concerns about the numbers of elderly using SuperGold discounts to visit Waiheke Island is a precursor to Government cutbacks in entitlements, Labour Senior Citizens spokesperson Ross Robertson says.

“The Government is cutting services for elderly, in health, ACC, driver education and now they are looking at cutting travel subsidies for elderly,” Ross Robertson said.

“By trying to announce possible changes that would reduce older people’s ability to access public transport just before Christmas, Transport Minister Stephen Joyce is showing he is the Ebenezer Scrooge of Parliament.

“The concerns about the number of trips to Waiheke are just a cynical attempt by the National Government to mislead people into believing that elderly are using the free public transport SuperGold subsidies on frivolous journeys when in reality most are using them for basic transport needs.

“There is anecdotal evidence that many elderly are using the SuperGold card to catch up with friends and family who prior to this had not been able to get out and about and found themselves isolated from loved ones.

“People use the SuperGold cards to get to hospital appointments, doctor appointments, shop for food and visit family.

“Just under 50 percent of people who collect superannuation have no other source of income and rely on public transport to get around.

“Moves to stop people using SuperGold cards on public transport between 3pm and 6.30pm could seriously hinder the elderly.

“This potential cutback is yet another nail in the coffin for Senior Citizens in New Zealand who are being treated by the National Government as a burden instead of as valued members of society who have paid their dues.

“The National Government sees basic services for elderly as something that should be cutback,” Ross Robertson said.

ENDS

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