Superannuation

Press, 26 September 1989, Page 12

Superannuation

Sir, - Labour and National, by commencing national super-

annuation at 65, eliminate 27.3 per cent of recipients, if using the 1987 Department of Statistics figures. Labour’s hard line of downgrading national superannuation, hospitals, medical assistance and support means very hard nests for the aged and infirm and could reduce life expectancy to, say, 74, eliminating a further 28.2 per cent — a grand total of 55.5 per cent. This sick scenario reduces New Zealand life, living and family to a basic low dollar value akin to culled and expendable animals in the food chain. Surely politicians who make the rules should abide by them. Now the comparison: The Higher Salaries Commission proposes and politicians legislate in minutes higher salaries and perks for them-

selves, with further ongoing perks built into their own super super. Different yardsticks and different rules ensure they have different down-lined n6sts in their own retirement — all tax-payer-paid. — Yours, etc., C. BAKER. , September 18, 1989. ’