Bainimarama Sues Government Over His Pension Shortfall
Former PM seeks full gratuity and pension payments in High Court case.
Wednesday 06 November 2024 | 09:35
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama has filed a lawsuit against the Government and Attorney-General, claiming they have failed to pay his full pension and gratuity entitlements.
Bainimarama's lawyer, Fatima Gul, presented the case before Acting Master Liyanage Kashyapa Wickramasekera at the High Court in Suva yesterday.
Claim details
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The claim states that Bainimarama, who served as Prime Minister from 2009 to 2022, is owed 75 per cent of his annual salary as pension and a gratuity payment.
According to Bainimarama, this amounts to $246,562.50 of his $328,750 annual salary, although the Government reportedly reduced this amount to $184,921.87.
Additionally, Bainimarama claims he is entitled to a one-off gratuity of $770,507.87, yet alleges the Government has only paid $433,296.75, leaving a shortfall of $337,211.12.
Bainimarama's legal team has sought the following reliefs:
■ Payment of the outstanding $337,211.12 gratuity balance;
■ Correct fortnightly pension payments of $7,112.37;
■ Entitlements under Section 9 of the Prime Ministers Pension Act 1994;
■ Pension and retirement allowances based on the salary under the Parliamentary Remuneration Act;
■ Prejudgment interest at 13.5 per cent per annum and post-judgment interest until the full amount is paid;
■ Costs on a full solicitor-client indemnity basis.
Government's response
In their defence, the Government denies the plaintiff's claims, saying Bainimarama's entitlements have been correctly paid in line with the Prime Ministers Pension Act.
They argue that Bainimarama is entitled to 80 per cent of the salary outlined in the Parliamentary Remuneration Act, equivalent to $263,000, and that all due benefits have been accorded.
The court has directed the Plaintiff to submit filings by November 19, with the Government's response due by December 3.
A pre-trial conference is set for January 7, 2025, with the case adjourned to February 5, 2025. Any party failing to comply with court orders will face a $2000 fine.
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