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I recently had the privilege of meeting with and addressing our local Grey Power.  It gave me cause to review what steps our Labour led Government has taken on behalf of our older residents since coming to office because there is no doubt that when times get hard, we need a government that has not only delivered on its promises, but also with plans for the future that will look after all New Zealanders.

 I know how much our local older residents do for the wellbeing of our communities.  Daily around the South Waikato, I see the invaluable work for volunteer groups, schools,  community, service, arts, sports and cultural organisations.

So, we have made the changes necessary to make sure that our older New Zealanders' invaluable contributions to our great country are recognised.  One of the first changes Labour made was reversing National's pension cuts, and making sure that Super increased every year to match the cost of living.  We recognise that Super is the main source of income for most older people and that it is an entitlement in recognition of all their years of work.

This term Labour increased Super to 66% of the average wage.  Since 2005, we have increased Super by $113 a fortnight for a married couple and $73 a fortnight for a single living alone.  We also made retirement income fairer by removing the ‘sharing expenses rule', increasing Super for those with a partner in care and continuing to phase out asset testing.

Significantly lowering doctor's fees and reducing prescription medicines from $15 to $3 has also been a very important development for many older constituents who I regularly see - as indeed it has for our families with young children.  We've continued to increase the value and availability of the rates rebates scheme which I overhauled during my time as Minister of Local Government - increasing the rebate again to $530 on 1 July.  Labour is providing additional income support to help carers - particularly grandparents - who play a vital role when children cannot be with their parents.

In agreement with New Zealand First, we created the SuperGold card and made provisions for free off-peak public transport for SuperGold Card holders.  We are also lifting the subsidy for hearing aids from $198 to $500 from 1 October.

We're providing significantly more funding support to community organisations that provide essential services for families, children and older New Zealanders.  In future they will also receive regular funding increases to reflect future changes in cost and demand.

And that is also why we made sure Superannuitants are included in our tax cuts.  Our 1 October tax cuts will give a married couple an extra $45 a fortnight and $23 to a single living alone, and superannuitants will continue to benefit as Labour's tax package is rolled out on 1 April 2010 and 1 April 2011. 

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