The SuperGold Health Check Bill has been voted down at first reading.
The bill’s sponsor Winston Peters said the bill would give three free GP visits to superannuitants a year. The bill would be supported by all sane and sensible MPs as while it would cost $69 million a year it would save money by keeping the elderly out of hospital, he said.
National MP Simon O’Connor said the party would not be supporting the bill as it was not targeted to spend money where the greatest need was. Not all of those over 65 were in need of three free GP visits a year or could not afford to pay for these.
The bill was defeat by 61 to 60 with National, ACT and United Future opposed.
Mr Peters asked for a personal vote to be recorded but this was declined.
MPs then began the first reading of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Amendment Bill (No 3).
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