'Young People Should Be at Forefront of Super Debate'

Media Release
Young Nationals
12 March 2000

Labours dedicated 'Super Fund' is doomed to failure, according to Nationals Youth Vice President Daniel Gordon.

"For a start, it has the glowing endorsement of the people the changes would affect the least - Grey Power."

"Grey Power President Don Robertson has claimed that Labours Michael Cullen has 'set the scene for sustainable super for all generations.' This is not true - the policy is vague, expensive, requires further tax increases to pay for it, and is unlikely to get through Parliament."

"It is young people who need to be debating superannuation policy, not Labour and its Grey Power branch. These changes will affect my generation the most, not Don Robertsons," continued Daniel Gordon.

"There has been no consultation with anyone under 60, or others who will be paying for the policy in years to come. In fact I doubt very much whether Cullen has consulted with anyone at all - its a personal hobbyhorse that is part of Labours 'we know best' attitude."

"Abolishing the Superannuation Taskforce was a grave mistake. It was a genuine attempt to allow cross-party accord on the difficult super question. But, no, Labour knows best," said Daniel Gordon.

"This policy has all the signs of courting the over 60s vote. They may applaud the policy now, but in the long term it will not affect or impact any of them if the scheme comes into fruition. I would remind the Labour party, that they are there to govern in the interests of all New Zealanders."

"Young Nationals plan to discuss superannuation at our Policy Conference in Wellington this month, including what impact Labours changes might have on planning for retirement."

"We have invited Dr Cullen to our conference. We would like him to explain to us; why he has scrapped the taskforce; what his new scheme will cost; and why young people don't seem to matter," concluded Daniel Gordon.

For further information contact Daniel Gordon on 021 229 6812

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