Media release 12 June 2001
Select committee report shows no real progress on superannuation issues
Today's report back from the Finance & Expenditure select committee shows how far we are from making progress on superannuation, says Business NZ.
Business NZ Chief Executive Simon Carlaw says it's clear the Government is focused on 'doing something' about super -
but that's not enough to ensure a sound superannuation system that would be both 'politics-proofed' and sustainable into
the future.
"The Government has got the message that the community wants some action on super, but has failed to ventilate the
issues and impacts with either the community or other political parties," Mr Carlaw said.
"Once again, the debate has become very partisan, with most media reporting this in adversarial terms rather than the
substantive issues."
Mr Carlaw said it would be a good idea to depoliticise the whole debate and take a fresh look at the issues involved.
"Given the proposed Fund will only take care of 10-15% of future super funding requirements - at a potential cost to the
ability of business to grow jobs and income - there is a need for much more effective debate before pressing ahead."
Attached: Summary of superannuation issues requiring debate
Superannuation Bill – issues requiring further debate
Growth
Growth in the economy is expected to fund 85-90% of future superannuation, yet the prepaid Fund will hobble that growth,
by reducing future policy flexibility and reducing the ability to invest in economic growth and transformation.
Incentives to save
The present Fund proposal reduces individuals’ incentives to save, for two reasons:
1. It does not provide for individual accounts (these give powerful incentives to save).
2. It gives a false sense of security (people are likely to forget that it only provides partial pre-funding).
Structure
The linkage of superannuation with average wage rates means that future wage rises (that would follow a successful
transformation of the economy) would require tax increases to top up superannuation rates.
Assumptions
Given New Zealand’s economic performance over the last half century, there have to be questions over whether the Fund’s
eligibility and access provisions will be sustainable in 50 years time.
Timing
The Fund is expected to run out before the 65+ demographic peaks during the second half of this century. It therefore
only delays an increase in tax rates for future generations to fund superannuation payments.
ENDS