The eligibility period for former Presidents to receive pension benefits has been shortened from five years to three years. This change came after the Parliament passed the Presidential Pensions (Amendment) Bill 2024 unanimously, as per Standing Order 51. The amendment aligns the Presidential Pensions Act of 1994 with the provisions outlined in the 2013 Constitution.
During the motion, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized that the decision aims to ensure consistency with the current Constitution, which stipulates a three-year term for Presidents. Under the original Presidential Pensions Act, former Presidents were required to serve five years to access benefits such as a ministerial-type vehicle with a driver, comprehensive medical coverage, annual funding for personal staff, and security protection based on the Prime Minister’s discretion.
With the passage of this Bill, these benefits will now be available to Presidents who complete a full three-year term. Rabuka also noted that this amendment is applicable to former President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere. Notably, members of the Opposition also expressed their support for the motion, highlighting a bipartisan agreement on this important issue.
This adjustment reflects a significant step toward modernizing the pension framework for former Presidents, ensuring that their benefits are more in line with their service duration and constitutional guidelines.
This amendment symbolizes a progressive move within the government, fostering greater alignment between legal provisions and the current constitutional framework, while also showing a collaborative political spirit among the parliamentary members.
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