Dear Editor,
At the risk of being called a nuisance I would like to pose two questions to the Minister of Finance.  Can you say why the $4,000.00 special allowance given to government workers earning below $50,000.00 a month in 2008 was not applicable to government pensioners whose pension (like mine) is below $50,000.00?  I ask also to indicate if the five per cent increase for government workers from 2008 will be enjoyed by pensioners?

I cannot help but be apprehensive that history will repeat itself.  The Armstrong Tribunal had awarded government workers increases for the years 1999 to 2000. However pensioners were only given that recommended for 2000. Once can be an oversight; a second time leaves one to wonder.

Mr Minister, a few words in your Budget speech will dispel the uncertainties of us elderly folk. They are “These increases also apply to government pensioners.”  Finally, food for thought – sooner or later you too will be a retiree.
Yours faithfully,
Carl Rogers
Chief Fire Officer (retd)