Fed: Cherry calls for changes to MP super laws

AAP General News (Australia)
08-05-2001
Fed: Cherry calls for changes to MP super laws

CANBERRA, Aug 5 AAP - Australia's newest federal parliamentarian today called for changes
to MPs' superannuation.

John Cherry will tomorrow be sworn in as the Australian Democrats senator for Queensland,
replacing retiring John Woodley.

He, along with MP-elect for the seat of Aston, Chris Pearce, will most likely be the
last politicians to qualify for the federal parliament's generous superannuation system.

Under the system MPs are entitled to access their superannuation before they turn 55,
a benefit denied to others.

The age 55 cut-off will be introduced for all MPs elected after this year's federal election.

Mr Cherry said it was unfair for both himself and Mr Pearce to have their superannuation
protected when they had been elected after the changes were made law.

"If I am re-elected only once, I could finish that term eligible for an indexed pension
for life of more than $50,000 a year at the age of 46, even though I am not eligible to
access any of my other employment-related super until I turn 60," he said in a statement.

"The new rules should apply to all new service after this date regardless of when an
MP is elected."

Mr Cherry said the laws should be amended to reduce the percentage of super benefits
that can be taken by younger ex-parliamentarians.

AAP sw/lmc/bwl

KEYWORD: SUPER

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