This was highlighted last night by party leader Savenaca Narube at a talanoa session with members of the Nabua community.

Unity Fiji Party will consider looking at increasing the Government retirement age from 55 to 60 years if it wins the next election.

This was highlighted last night by party leader Savenaca Narube at a talanoa session with members of the Nabua community.

Mr Narube said raising the Government retirement age to 60 would ensure maximum utilisation of people’s talents and experience in the work force.

However, he said this could only succeed if there were more jobs available.

“The retirement age had increased to 60 but it was decreased to 55 by the current government. Some of us get to the peak of our performance and know-how and, then we are told to retire,” Mr Narube said.

“In New Zealand and Australia they have increased the retirement age and here we are reducing it. Our belief and it is in our manifesto that it should increase to 60 to utilise talent and experience that we have acquired.”

He said once the Government retirement age was increased to 60 there would be further discussions to see if there was a need to increase it further.

Mr Narube also mentioned that Fijians had the skills to fill job positions that were being taken up by expatriates.

About 35 people were present at last night’s talanoa session at the Nabua Methodist Church Hall.

Applications for the party’s candidates for the coming general elections will close tomorrow.

Mr Narube confirmed that the party was looking at fielding 51 candidates.

He also encouraged youths to apply. Mr Narube was accompanied by former Foreign Affairs Minister Kaliopate Tavola and businessman Tomasi Vakatora.

Edited by George Kulamaiwasa

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