Labour: Vote For Us, Or Else

ACT New Zealand Social Welfare Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today slammed Labour for announcing, what is in effect, a blatant election-year bribe - removing asset testing for the elderly.

"The Government has announced that it will progressively remove asset testing of the elderly, from July 2005 - just before the next election. It is a move that clearly shows that Labour's priorities lie in looking after its voter base to ensure another term in government - even if it means punishing hard-working families," Dr Newman said.

"Labour claims it is unfair for the elderly to use their assets to contribute to the cost of their care. But Labour apparently has no qualms about forcing hard working families - many of whom have few or no assets at all - to support retirees who have assets worth more than $150,000.

"The present asset testing regime ensures that assistance is based on need. By scrapping asset testing, Labour will provide assistance based on voter support - at the expense of hard-working families.

"Social policy should be based on sound decisions which will benefit the entire country - not driven by a vote-buying strategy that benefits a chosen few, to ensure that Labour secures a third term in Government," Dr Newman said.

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