Superannuation In New

Guinea And Papua

Replying to questions asked by Dr. Wil liam Maloney (Victoria) in the House of Representatives on June 28, Mr, Lyons (Prime Minister) said that a scheme for providing a combined superannuation sys tem for officers in Australia’s Pacific Terri tories is at present under consideration.

Dr. Maloney asked the Prime Minister: 1. Is it a fact that the Dutch shipping company trading between Australia and Java requires its captains and chief engineers to retire with pensions at the age of 45 on account of the unhealthy climate in which they work? 2, If so, will he consider the question of the early re tirement, with pensions, of officers who are employed in Papua, New Guinea and other

unhealthy positions in the Pacific Islands?

Mr. Lyons’ reply was as follows: 1. I have no information on this point. 2. The superannuation ordinances of Papua and New Guinea make provision for the pay ment of retiring allowance on retirement after reaching the age of 54 years and 55 years, respectively. The question of the provision of a combined superannuation scheme for the officers of the external terri tories of the Commonwealth is at present receiving attention. Full consideration of the conditions existing in the several terri tories will be given in determining the age to be prescribed for retirement, with super annuation allowance, under any such scheme that may be adopted.