MPs super scheme reform fix the perks

The Taxpayers’ Union is calling on every political party leader to commit to ending Parliament’s gold-plated superannuation scheme and cleaning up MPs’ taxpayer-funded entitlements, following revelations in the New Zealand Herald that MPs’ generous superannuation arrangements escaped earlier efforts to rein them in.

Taxpayers’ Union spokesperson Tory Relf said:

“MPs have managed to protect a super scheme that gives them $2.50 from taxpayers for every dollar they contribute. That is a deal most New Zealanders could only dream of.”

“Politicians can argue that they are following the rules, but they are also the only people with the power to change them. After years of ducking the issue, party leaders need to tell taxpayers whether they will finally give up the gravy train.”

The Taxpayers’ Union has launched a campaign calling on party leaders to:

• Replace tax-free cash entitlements with reimbursement for genuine out-of-pocket expenses;
• Stop MPs using taxpayer-funded accommodation payments to rent properties from themselves; and
• End Parliament’s gold-plated superannuation scheme.

“Every party leader should commit before the election to fixing these entitlements. MPs should not be insulated from the same restrain everyone else faces.”

Taxpayers can email the party leaders at taxpayers.org.nz/email_leaders_mp_perks