Hon Roger Sowry
Minister of Social Services, Work and Income
Superannuation 2000 Taskforce to find a sustainable option
The new National minority Government announced today that a new group will be charged with finding a sustainable solution to deliver superannuation to New Zealanders in the new millennium, says Roger Sowry, Minister of Social Services, Work and Income.
"The Superannuation 2000 Taskforce will involve a range of people from all major political parties and community leaders, focused on finding affordable super policies for elderly New Zealanders, their children and grandchildren."
The Taskforce is one component of the Governments' Policies for Progress, which were announced today by Prime Minister Jenny Shipley.
Mr Sowry said the Superannuation 2000 Taskforce will offer an alternative to the Superannuation Accord. The Taskforce will be asked to progress the recommendations of the Periodic Reporting Group which made it clear New Zealanders want party politics taken out of superannuation.
"The overwhelming message from New Zealanders is that they want politicians to work together to find solutions that give elderly people certainty, and this is a firm step towards that. The new group will have an independent chair and a significant research budget which it will use to fund studies into superannuation from November this year.
"Superannuation 2000 will provide a framework within which all parties can work to reach agreement on how to implement a system of superannuation which is adequate, equitable, efficient and sustainable.
"It will be established by November this year and be asked to report to Government by November 2000 and their report will contain legislative recommendations which could then be passed into law," Mr Sowry said
Final details of the make-up of the Superannuation 2000 Taskforce will be announced in the next few weeks.
ENDS
Inquiries: Belinda Milnes (04) 471-9787 (025) 334-783