Superannuation

Press, 1 March 1989, Page 20

Superannuation

Sir, —It is not often that I find myself in agreement with Bert Walker. On the subject of superannuation, however, I find myself in complete agreement: “The best superannuation scheme this country has ever had was introduced by the National Party in 1976.” It does not, however, need Sir Robert Muldoon to reinstate it, but the party which does will, inevitably, become the government of this country. The scheme was, and is, affordable and sustainable. That it is desirable is not to be questioned. It only requires political willpower to reinstate this most needed social legislation. The Labour Government does not have the will, and the Labour Party does not have the power. Does National have the courage? — Yours, etc., F. V. McCLIMONT. February 23,1989.

Sir, —The advantages of a return to a Muldoon era type Government would be that the elected government would run the country, not Treasury. It would mean the immediate cancellation of the unnecessary, iniquitous and unjust surcharge on national superannuation. The successful policies which in 1984 enabled National to produce a firm inflation figure of 4.7 per cent and a growth rate of 8.5 per cent, and limited unemployment to those physically unable to work, would be reintroduced; incentives would be given to manufacturers and farmers to produce and export; interest rates would be eased down. This would return confidence to the economy. At least S2B a year would be saved as the unemployed and D.P.B.S found work;

superannuitants would again have dignity and peace of mind. To answer R. Austin, February 25, prosperity and a comfortable living for everyone result from a Muldoon-style Government; strife and more strife is created by .supporters of Rogernomics. — Yours, etc.,

BERT WALKER. February 25, 1989.

Sir,—K. M. Saxby (February 22) is absolutely correct in stating that her small daughter could be a charge to the State for her education, health, family benefit, etc., plus superannuation on retirement. This need not be so if a change in fiscal policy were implemented immediately by the Minister of Finance in respect of pensions, and tax manipulation, so as to bring about a more responsible attitude by our older citizens towards our younger people. I am positive that a marked improvement in behaviour of some of our younger ones would result. —Yours, etc., R. L. AUSTIN. February 26, 1989.