Payout ‘farcical’

Press, 29 July 1978, Page 21

Payout ‘farcical’

Parliamentary reporter

The “farcical” increase in the married national superannuation payout of 23c a week had clearly demonstrated the extent of “the complete botch-up” the Government had made of the tax system and national superannuation, the Labour spokesman on social welfare (Mr M. A. Connelly) said. “It is absolutely clear that when the Government decided to increase tax on those with low incomes it failed to consider the effects

on superannuitants, university students, apprentices, part-time workers, and other social security beneficiaries,” he said.

“Married superannuitants without any other income should study the Labour Party’s tax policies, because unde'r our scheme they each will be better off to the tune of $6.51 a week — a total of $l3. “The decision to allow people on social security benefits to apply for an additional grant to offset the extra tax they will have to pay on small incomes shows what a mess the Government has created for itself,” he said.