Urgent Debates Declined — New Zealand Superannuation—Proposed Changes to Entitlement Age

I have received a letter from Andrew Little seeking to debate under Standing Order 389 the Government’s proposal to raise the age of entitlement for superannuation from 65 to 67 years. This is a particular case of recent occurrence involving ministerial responsibility. The age of entitlement for superannuation is an important issue, but the test for whether a particular case requires the immediate attention of the House is a high one. It requires the matter to be of such urgency that it justifies the House spending a substantial part of the sitting in debating it. In this case, legislation is required to give effect to the policy, and the Government has indicated it would legislate only if in such a position after the upcoming election. I am not convinced the matter has such an element of urgency that it must take precedence over other business of the House. The application is therefore declined.