29 Nov 2011

Fiji lawyer says pension changes throw up questions

7:44 am on 29 November 2011

The Fiji lawyer Shaista Shameem says a possible windfall for judges in Fiji under new pension changes has thrown up questions over one of her human rights cases.

Dr Shameem is acting for pensioner David Burness who has argued proposed changes to the fund, including large cuts to pensions, are discriminatory.

Fiji's interim government announced changes to the fund last week as well as a 20 percent increase in entitlements for civil pensioners including retired judges.

Dr Shameem says questions need to be asked.

"Can we be reassured that the judge that is hearing the case is not going to be in the position where he benefits from the retired judge's pensions or if he's going to retire in future that he will not benefit?"

Dr Shameem says pensioners she represents are anxiously awaiting what the pension changes mean in dollars and cents.