OLD-AGE PENSIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 34, 9 August 1934, Page 15

OLD-AGE PENSIONS

AUSTRALIAN RECIPROCITY

Ratification by the Commonwealth ■Parliament of the New Zealand law providing for the reciprocity of the payment of old-age pensions is at present being awaited by the New Zealand Government, according to a statement made by the Minister in Charge of Pensions (tho Hon. J. G. Cobbo) in the House of Representatives this afternoon.

Mr. \V. E. Parry (Labour, Auckland Central) asked the Minister whether he would take steps this session to see that legislation on^ tho lines laid down, by the Old-ago Pensions Reciprocity Act, 1913, was passed, so that reciprocity in the payment of old-age pensions was ratified and carried into effect by tho Government of New Zealand and the Commonwealth of Australia. Mr. Parry suggested that tho Melbourne Centenary eclcbratious would prevent a favourable opportunity for tho mat-, ter'to'b'e'dealt with. ■

"Tho Old-age Pensions Reciprocity Act, IDI3, providing for reciprocity between Australia and New Zealand in tho payment of old-age pensions, is still on tho Statuto Book, and only awaits ratification by tho Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia to bring reciprocity into effect," replied the Minister. "Up to tho present this ratification lias not been forthcoming, and the question whether tho Centenary celebrations at Melbourne will provide a favourable opportunity for reopening the matter with the Commonwealth authorities is one which will receive tho consideration of the Government." Tho Minister said that the Australian authorities , had been reminded about the matter.

Mr. Parry: But the Act will have to be renewed. . :■■■..