Shipley offers long term solution to superannuation
The National Party has offered the Government a compromise over superannuation in a bid to lock in a multi-party,
sustainable approach to the long-term funding of superannuation.
The Leader of the Opposition, Jenny Shipley, said National would consider supporting a lift in superannuation to 65% of
the average wage if a genuine multi–party process is set in place that will secure the future of superannuation for us
all.
Mrs Shipley made the commitment during her speech in the debate in reply to the Speech from the Throne in Parliament
today.
“Last Friday I wrote to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister imploring them to take a long-term multi-party
approach that will reach a consensus on superannuation.
“Superannuation is too important to be played with by every party that comes into Government. Labour and National have
historically been guilty of taking unilateral actions which have led to further change at a later date. In this new
century we must come to an agreement that all parties will abide by to give New Zealanders security over the level of
support they can expect when they reach retirement.
“National has given a commitment that we would approach such talks with an open mind and no fixed position, as we had
done at the time the Super 2000 Taskforce was established.
“I hope Ms Clark will not refuse to cooperate with other political parties on an issue as important as this. Political
agreement must be achieved across parties as to how decisions on the level of super can be funded for current and future
retirees in a way that is sustainable.
“We are committed to working with other parties to reach a consensus – I look forward to the Government showing similar
goodwill,” Mrs Shipley said.
Ends