Calls have been made to the Australian government to assist with legislative changes that will enable employers to facilitate the deduction of superannuation contributions for Fijians working under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh says the Coalition Government and the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) have been collaborating on the subject with approved Australian employers under the scheme.
“As part of this collaboration, FNPF is encouraging employers to enable the deduction of contributions from the earnings of Fijian workers operating offshore in Australia directly to their superannuation fund in Fiji.
“Through this initiative, Fijian workers will have the opportunity to benefit from long term financial security and build their retirement savings through the FNPF.”
Mr Singh said the present provision required employers to deduct super and the worker could apply for transfer of the same after departure to their home country of which a 35 per cent tax applied.
He added this matter would be escalated to government level for further discussion and resolution.
