Speech: Shipley acknowledges mistakes
National Party leader Jenny Shipley admits the party were wrong to try and cut the level of NZ Super, and offers to enter multi-party talks with an open mind.
Tuesday, August 22nd 2000, 12:00AM
All New Zealanders want the major political parties to put their history behind them and come up with a durable multi-party political solution.
Labour let seniors down in the ‘80s by acting unilaterally.
National let seniors down in the ‘90s by doing the same.
In effect we all lost the confidence of this group. It must be restored.
National is keen to make its position clear so we can make progress towards the aim that New Zealanders want – which is for parties to sit down and talk, and agree, on the future of superannuation.
Our starting position is this: the superannuation arrangements that apply to this generation of older New Zealanders must remain in place.
We accept that those who are already retired are not in a position to change their circumstances. They deserve security.
From our point of view talks could begin on the basis that there will be no change either in the floor, the age of retirement or CPI indexation for those who are currently retired.
Having come to this position, National has removed one of the obstacles in the way of multi-party talks.
I give a commitment that National will continue to work hard with other political parties to try and reach a multi-party position so that future retirees, also, can have security.
I have written to the Prime Minister twice this year saying National will come without any preconceived ideas and a genuine willingness to talk.
Bill English has recently released a series of tests by which we will judge any new scheme. We believe that these are a useful set of guidelines to open up discussion.
New Zealanders are calling out for certainty for both current and future retirees. We must respond to that call.
National stands ready to work to find common ground.
I call on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister to show leadership in this area. We are willing to come with an open mind if others do also, to consider how we can resolve the superannuation debate for those close to retirement and for the Baby Boomers.
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