Govt soothes super, fears

Press, 27 January 1988, Page 3

Govt soothes super, fears

By

BRENDON BURNS,

political reporter

The Government yesterday attempted to assure the elderly that they would not lose national superannuation. A statement offering reassurance was issued by the Minister of Social Welfare, Dr Cullen, after the first Cabinet meeting of the year. Earlier this month, the Minister for Revenue, Mr de Cleene, expressed a personal view that national superannuation (paid to everyone from age 60) was inequitable and should be scrapped. Ministers have been receiving correspondence on the superannuation issue since the December economic statement announced the immediate ending of tax concessions for most private superannuation schemes.

Dr Cullen said he was concerned that the nature of recent public debate on national superannuation was upsetting many elderly people. They were worried, he said, that their main source of income would be withdrawn. The Government was committed to ensuring the elderly had sufficient to live in comfort and dignity.

“Elderly people need to be assured that the support for their old age will not be withdrawn,” said Dr Cullen.

“I certainly offer them that assurance and I hope families and friends will give them the personal assurance they may require in what has become a complex and protracted public debate.”