Shorten must correct the record on superannuation age discrimination

03/11/11

Bronwyn Bishop, Shadow Minister for Seniors, has outed Minister for Financial Services and Superannuation, Bill Shorten, over his claim that the superannuation age limit is to be abolished by the Bill he introduced yesterday. In reality, the Bill he introduced yesterday merely changes the age discrimination level from 70 to 75.

“Mr Shorten said in his tabling speech: ‘And this bill abolishes the superannuation guarantee age limit’, when it does not. Further, in Question Time, Mr Shorten made a song and dance yesterday about how he was going to end age discrimination. He has not only possibly misled Parliament but given false hope to the 18,000 Australians over 75 who are still working whom he said would be entitled to superannuation.” Mrs Bishop said.

“The Labor Government, along with the Greens, Mr Wilkie, Mr Windsor and Mr Oakeshott all voted against my private member’s bill earlier this year which would have made this happen.” Mrs Bishop said.

“My Bill abolished s 27(1)(a) of the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992. Mr Shorten merely amends it to raise the discrimination age from 70 to 75.” Mrs Bishop said.

“Ageism should be as offensive as sexism or racism and the Coalition firmly believes the superannuation guarantee age limit should be abolished altogether and will do so should we be elected to Government.” Mrs Bishop said.

Mrs Bishop raised the matter with the Speaker today who is considering it within the context of privilege.