Changes to parliamentary superannuation pass Lower House

14/9/00
Unprecedented changes to the superannuation scheme available to members of State Parliament passed through the Lower House this morning.
Minister Assisting the Treasurer, Graham Kierath, welcomed the changes which, he said, would end the existing scheme and introduce superannuation more in line with what was available to the wider community.
"No-one else in the community is able to get access to a scheme as generous as what has been in place for members of State Parliament," Mr Kierath said.
"The community does not think that is fair and what we have done is bring superannuation for politicians in line with everyone else.
"The changes we have made are for a fairer system that I believe the community should welcome."
Mr Kierath said the new contribution system would apply to all new members of Parliament and those elected for the first time in 1996.
He said the Government's contribution would be set by the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, but expected it would be in line with the superannuation guarantee levy currently paid to all employees.
"I would hope now that this legislation will be passed by the Upper House to be in place prior to the next State election,"
Mr Kierath said.
"It has the capacity to make considerable savings to the State's finances but, more importantly, it puts politicians in the same situation as everyone else in the community."
Mr Kierath said most amendments to the legislation were included but not the capacity to pay benefits to partners of members in same sex relationships.
He said inclusion of the same sex amendment would be in contrast with a range of existing State Government legislation and was a complex issue which required sweeping legal changes.
"An amendment like that cannot be introduced at the eleventh hour without going through the proper process," Mr Kierath said.
"It is more important that we get this legislation through before the next election than get delayed by amendments which could stall the legislation.
"If there are members who want to see such amendments or changes to the new scheme then they will have the opportunity to make those changes later.
"For now our priority should be to get this legislation through and put politicians' superannuation on the same footing as the rest of the community."
Media contact: Zac Donovan (08) 9213 6400