Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Dunne pitches for Kapiti Coast seniors' vote

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne today hit the health and superannuation buttons when he addressed a well-attended meeting of Kapiti Coast Greypower in Paraparaumu.

He reminded his audience that in these times of international financial turbulence, the last support partner the next Government needed was one mired in its own financial troubles, with its leadership distracted by inquiries, allegations and scandal.

"UnitedFuture, on the other hand, has worked in harmony with Governments of both stripes over the past decade and we have quietly achieved significant policy goals.

"Working with the next Government, we plan to push for an annual free warrant of fitness health check for every New Zealander so we can catch problems early.

"And for our seniors, we want to guarantee you elective surgery, when required, within six months of the problem being diagnosed. We can do this through the intelligent use of all the medical facilities available in New Zealand, whether public or privately-owned."

Mr Dunne said superannuation was clearly a matter of great interest to older New Zealanders.

"So we want to change the way it's calculated every year by basing what you are paid on forecasts of inflation, instead of looking back to last year's inflation.

"This means superannuitants will stay ahead of the inflation curve, instead of constantly playing catchup.

"For those 50-odd thousand pensioners who are caught by Section 70 of the Social Security Act, we want to change the law so you get all the benefits of having paid into a super scheme all your working life, without being penalised by losing your New Zealand Super."

Mr Dunne urged the audience to give UnitedFuture their party vote to ensure the next government had a reliable, experienced, stable partner that would keep the Government honest.

ENDS

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