Budget ‘positive overall’ for elderly

A billion-dollar shot in the arm for health is a positive sign for Southland’s ageing population, GreyPower’s national president says.

Terry King, who is based in Invercargill, said he was particularly encouraged by the announcement of $98 million in funding for more elective surgeries and $320m for district health boards over the next four years.

The measures are part of a $1.7 billion boost for the health budget, which has been increased to a record $15.9b under the Budget.

The Government also dedicated $76.1m to helping hospices expand palliative care services, fulfilling an election campaign promise.

‘‘We’ve got a large ageing population so from our point of view it’s quite positive,’’ King said. ‘‘I think the Government is addressing some of the problems we have in New Zealand – health is one of those.’’

However, he said there was a growing inequality in the country that should be better addressed, pointing towards the gap between the incomes of people on salaries and those on minimum wage.

King also took aim at Labour and the ACT for their comments about the Government’s failure to address superannuation in the Budget.

‘‘I am very disappointed to see superannuation again being used as a political football and being attacked by the opposition,’’ King said.

‘‘I think it’s misleading to think national superannuation is unaffordable.’’