Goff talks politics with Grey Power

Concerns about a GST rise, ACC and a lack of government stimulus have been put to Labour leader Phil Goff.

Mr Goff spoke to about 100 people at a Whangarei Grey Power meeting last week, answering questions but also raising concerns about the government's intentions.

Mr Goff said any tax cuts ought to be fair, helping low and middle-income New Zealanders who need it the most.

A rise in GST was not wanted, he said, and did not make sense if it was just a "money go round".

Mr Goff said employment needed to be a big priority.

If cuts had to be made the government should not start with the most vulnerable who could not fight back, he said.

Grey Power members raised several concerns, particularly about GST rising to 15 percent and the amount of compensation superannuitants would get.

Mr Goff said at least some adjustments to superannuation would happen at the same time as the GST rise – rather than superannuitants having to wait for a cost of living adjustment.

Grey Power members also raised concerns about ACC, questioning how much it had invested in savings and what would happen if it was privatised.

Mr Goff said ACC had $12 billion in assets and was not broke.

Other concerns included withholding tax rising from 19.5 percent to 21 percent, government stimulus needed in housing, jobs going overseas and overseas investment in farming.

Whangarei Grey Power president Barry Johnson says Mr Goff's talk was informative.

"GST's a big thing and ACC of course, with the $11.4 billion in assets which we hope the Australians won't get if they privatise it."

Mr Johnson says Whangarei Grey Power will host National MPs if they want to come and talk.

The organisation also plans to host council candidates before this year's local body elections.

- © Fairfax NZ News