Statutes Amendment Bill (No 5)

I rise to speak to Part 12A, “Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956”. Many in the Chamber will be aware that I reside in the electorate that has the highest population of elderly constituents in the whole of the country—that is, the Otaki electorate, which covers Kapiti and Horowhenua. It was once a Labour stronghold and now is the most marginal seat in the country. I rise to speak about superannuation and how it affects those hard-working New Zealanders in the Otaki electorate and right across the country—those who have paid taxes, and those who in the past may not have been fairly getting their correct married entitlement. It is great to see that a gentleman presented a petition to New Zealand First people who happened to be in my electorate prior to the campaign to try to sort out that anomaly. [Interruption] Exactly. It is great to see that being sorted out.

It is very, very important that members acknowledge the Superannuation Fund, particularly in times of hardship. The carbon tax is due to come in in 2007, which will actually see an increase in power prices and fuel prices, and will make it even tougher for our elderly people to survive in this country. So I support Part 12A, “Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956”.

Part 12A agreed to.

Part 13 agreed to.

Part 14 agreed to.

Part 15 agreed to.

Part 16 agreed to.

Part 17 agreed to.

Part 18 agreed to.

Part 19 agreed to.

Part 19A agreed to.

Part 20 agreed to.

Part 21 agreed to.

Part 22 agreed to.

Part 23 agreed to.

Part 24 agreed to.

Part 25 agreed to.

Schedule agreed to.

Clause 1 agreed to.

Clause 2 agreed to.