Turner Judy: Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
Turner Judy: Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill — Second Reading 
[Volume:638;Page:8759] 
JUDY TURNER (Deputy Leader—United Future) 
: 
 I stand on behalf of United Future to speak in support of the second reading of the Social Security (Entitlement Cards) Amendment Bill. It is fairly straightforward legislation. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of it is the fact that it contains some future-proofing provisions that allow for regulations to be made should we have the need in the future to tighten up the ID aspect of the SuperGold card around things like photos and microchips. Submitters queried us on that issue particularly in respect of the amount of information allowed to be contained on these cards. 
The member from the Maori Party Te Ururoa Flavell alluded to some concerns on the part of the Social Services Committee that we were progressing this idea of the Government use of microchips for purposes of identification and holding information in a whole range of areas. Microchips are in passports now and we have certainly made provisions in this bill for them. We talked about the fact that possibly this House had failed to have the wider discussion that could have been helpful around this matter—particularly around Government use of this technology and the type of information that it is ideal to have covered. It was not a fear-based concern; it was more of a generalised discussion about where this technology would go and whether we should at some stage stop and have an important discussion about what we think is appropriate. 
Some submitters were concerned that the SuperGold card would be available only to New Zealand citizens. They were reassured that everybody over 65 would be entitled to apply. Actually there are some provisions for those under 65 who may come under the category of a non-qualified spouse to also be entitled to have one of these cards. 
One of the other questions was around the issue of identity cards. I think the National Council of Women queried whether people who currently hold a community services card would no longer need it as the information that that card provided would be contained on the gold card—and yes the council was reassured that that card would no longer be needed. Something like 68 percent of over 65-year-olds currently hold a community services card and this new SuperGold card will be able to act in that regard for them. 
I agree with some concerns that there is an unclear area around exactly what Government concessions this card will ultimately entitle people to. But perhaps the greatest value of this card from United Future’s point of view is the opportunity it offers the entire community to honour senior citizens. As I was taking part in Anzac Day which we have all just enjoyed—and I concur with Mr Fairbrother who talked about how exciting it was to see the large number of young people who participated in Anzac Day celebrations—I was reminded that over in Australia the Australian veterans have for years and years had a gold card which provides in a similar way to the intention of this card. It gives the opportunity for the wider community to offer concessions and discounts to veterans. I know for a fact that many New Zealand veterans have felt for years a little bit short-changed by the lack of that particular mechanism within the New Zealand approach to caring for veterans. Obviously veterans over 65 will be included in this opportunity and I think that will be a way to facilitate a national outpouring of gratitude to a generation that has done us well and that we are proud of in this country—for all sorts of reasons not just for its military endeavours. 
As I said before this card targets all senior citizens and provides access to a potential range of discounts and concessions. I am keen to find out when this card is rolled out what sort of publicity money and public relations spin the Government will need to put into notifying not just ordinary people about how they can apply for and get a card but also—I think more importantly—all sorts of businesses and community groups so that they understand that they have a real chance to become included in the benefits of this card system for senior citizens and to make available opportunities for senior citizens to bring their cards out of their handbags and say: “I’m here and I’m entitled to this discount.” 
A question I had when we first started into this legislation was why we needed legislation; surely we could have just printed up some gold cards made them available to people over 65 and let them be used. But concerns were raised that people who were not entitled to the cards could make copies of them and try to take advantage of their opportunities. So there was a real need for identification and a need to quantify what level of information we wanted to have contained on the cards under what circumstances the information should be gathered and where it could be stored and contained. It became apparent that legislation was probably the appropriate way to go about this. 
We are very happy to support this second reading. I was a little surprised initially at the low number of submitters—I thought we might have been inundated with people submitting on this—but the ones we did hear from really reflected the fact that people were genuinely positively disposed towards this idea. So we are very glad to support the second reading. 
Bill read a second time.