O'Neill : Pension for all Papua New Guineans

The Government will extend the national pension program to all Papua New Guineans, once they turn 65 years of age.

Prime Minister Peter O' Neil highlighted the Government's intentions when speaking at the Taurama Army Barracks yesterday.

He said the pension scheme will be delivered as the next step of the National Identification Program, which is currently underway.

Right now the government is introducing a national I-D program for the entire country, to have every citizen registered.

Once the statistics on the correct number of people is in place, they will plan the budget accordingly, including pension for those over 65 years.Mr.

O' Neil said it's the right of all men and women to be taken care of in their old age.

He said the country can now afford to look after it's people into retirement, due to the strength of the economy.

The Prime Minister said after working hard through their years, people need to know that they can relax after they retire, and the government will take care of them.