Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has compared the Government’s super reforms to the actions of the Cypriot government in raiding personal bank accounts to fund a bailout.
Prime Minister Julia Gillard commented on the government’s announcement last week that a 15 per cent tax on superannuation earnings over $100,000 will come into affect, which is predicted to affect 16,000 high-income earners.
Mr Abbott defended linking the super changes to Cyprus, saying superannuation is not the right of the government.
“It’s very important that all governments understand that money in superannuation accounts doesn’t belong to the government, it belongs to the people,” he told reporters in Sydney on Sunday.
When asked about Ms Gillard’s comment that his link to Cyprus was a “crazy statement,” Mr Abbott went on the offensive.
“The prime minister shouldn’t use an overseas trip to make domestic political comments,” he said.
“The extreme language of the prime minister is unworthy of that great office.”
The Prime Minister was In China to discuss military collaboration and attend a business forum.