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The Senior Citizens Minister has upset some of the very people
he represents by accusing them of being politically aligned with
the opposition.
John Carter says he is concerned Grey Power has signed up to an
aged care inquiry led by Labour and the Greens, an idea that
National had turned down three times previously.
But the organisation says it is not aligned to any political party
and has a right to represent its members.
Carter opened the Grey Power Federation AGM in Christchurch on
Monday and got to the point immediately, telling the gathering that
it is critical to Grey Power's influence to be non-aligned with any
political party.
"What worries me is if there is work to be done, and good on Grey Power for doing it, that they don't want to in anyway reduce the impact of it by associating themselves with political parties because the report may be seen to have political influence on it," Carter says.
The minister said in light of that he was surprised to hear Grey Power was working alongside Labour and the Greens and finished off by saying the National government is now sorting out the nine years of neglect under Labour.
But the president of Grey Power, Les Howard says there is no allegiance with any political party whatsoever.
Grey Power members say they are taking part in the inquiry, no matter who is running it, because they are concerned about issues like cuts to home help and say they will not be bullied.
Those who were present at the speech said they were a bit disappointed with the minister.
It is not known why the minister would make accusations against members of one of the most powerful voting blocs in the country, especially at their own annual meeting and at a time when many of Grey Power members are worried about the impact a GST increase might have on their financial wellbeing amid suggestions by the National-led government that their Supergold Card entitlements might be cut.
Labour Party leader Phil Goff dismissed Carter's words, saying he believes the minister is trying to bully them into silence.
"He's meant to be Minister for Senior Citizens. He should be addressing their concerns, not trying to close them down by bullying them into silence."
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bill English will be addressing the conference on Tuesday and will be left to reassure members about the National Party's support for their organisation.
And with Winston Peters and Phil Goff also turning up on Tuesday, organisers are hoping they can keep things under control.
