GEORGINA BEYER (Labour): I am very pleased to participate in the first reading of the New Zealand Superannuation and Veterans’ Pensions (Entitlements of Spouses and Partners of People in Long-term Residential Care and Remedial Matters) Bill. I thought it was a little churlish for the member who has just resumed her seat, Judith Collins, to carry on about Mr Nick Smith, who obviously had little influence in terms of finding a real solution to the problem, as opposed to what the Government has been able to do.

I would like to reiterate the words of the Minister for Social Development and Employment, David Benson-Pope, when he congratulated Mrs Barbara White, the lead petitioner who brought the matter to the attention of the House via a petition and, of course, her excellent advocate in that matter, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, who was with her every step of the way. Not many petitions make it right through to this particular instance of having legislation created directly from them. So I congratulate Mrs White on achieving that outcome, if she happens to be listening to the debate this evening, and I hope she is pleased the bill has come to this point.

This is another example of Labour delivering its election promises. The bill extends the eligibility for the single living alone rate, from 1 July 2006, to married superannuitants who have a partner in long-term residential care. That was a key election commitment, and this bill will do it. That change will mean that nearly $20 extra per week will go to approximately 2,000 qualifying older New Zealanders. It is further evidence of the Government’s commitment to ensuring that superannuitants, veterans, and pensioners are able to live in dignity and to participate fully in society. This is the Year of the Veteran, and what better timing could there be for such a bill?

In conclusion, I look forward to the House sending the bill to the Social Services Committee. We were very pleased to consider the petition of Mrs White, which prompted this legislation. I commend the bill to the House.