Two topics have received much attention as I have done the rounds in the past week and I thought it worth talking about them here.
The first is on the matter of superannuation and the age of entitlement. I have received a lot of comment that in this electorate theentitlement to superannuation has, and will be, earned and should be retained in line with National's policy.
We will continue to maintain the married rate of superannuation at 66 per cent of the average wage, and on our watch the age of eligibility will remain at 65. It is interesting to note that super has gone up by 22 per cent, or $194 a fortnight, for a married couple since April 1, 2008.
Over the weekend, Winston Peters made a provocative speech over the eligibility of immigrants to claim super.
The fact is that, unless someone comes from a country with a social security agreement with New Zealand, such as Australia, they must be resident in New Zealand for a full 10 years before claiming super. In that time they will have contributed significantly to the tax take. National has also tightened up family reunification rules to the extent that people cannot just bring parents into New Zealand if they are not self-sufficient.
The other topic which has been the subject of much discussion in the electorate is the newly released policy by the Minister of Youth Affairs, Job Streams. It's a simpler, more flexible business-focused package of employment programmes.
Job Streams invests $62 million into two new work streams:
Flexi-wage - flexible wage subsidies up to a maximum of $21,060 per year for those at highest risk of staying on the benefit long term.
Skills for industry - short job-focused training for specific employment opportunities, with a subsidy of up to $7000 per person.
Priority will be given to young people who are at high risk of long-term benefit dependency. Sole parents subject to new work obligations from October will also qualify. Job Streams will allow Work and Income to tailor a package to an employer and individuals' needs, ensuring funding is used where it is most needed.
