21 Jun 2019

Samoa PM backs call for retirement age increase

6:38 am on 21 June 2019

Samoa's prime minister has backed a call to increase the retirement age for government workers by 10 ten years.

Samoa government building, Apia.

Samoa government building, Apia. Photo: RNZ / Johnny Blades

The former cabinet minister, Gatoloaifa'ana Amataga Gidlow, has called for the age to increase from 55 to 65.

The age had been lowered to 55 to clear vacancies for young returning Samoans, but Gatoloaifa'ana says that's a waste of knowledge and experience.

The prime minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, acknowledged the call, saying he's asked the attorney general to investigate.