Where are the facts, Mr English?

18 April 2005

Where are the facts, Mr English?

Bill English’s outburst on the Teachers Retirement Savings Scheme clearly demonstrates that he will never let the facts get in the way of political point scoring, says PPTA president Debbie Te Whaiti.

She said teachers had already been assured that their savings in the TRSS were secure, and that the increase in the Government subsidy to three per cent would proceed as expected on 1 July. The letter to teachers made the following assurances:

teachers’ funds are protected; existing arrangements are protected; the moratorium on members joining the scheme is temporary; the moratorium on changes to membership contributions is temporary; the roll out to 3% on 1 July is expected to proceed on schedule.

“The current commitment of a three per cent employer subsidy on retirement savings contrasts sharply with the 1990s National Government’s closing of the Government Superannuation Fund and its refusal to entertain any form of employer-subsidised savings.

“Mr English is causing teachers unnecessary anxiety by misinforming the public about what is really going on,” Te Whaiti said.

ENDS

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