Government pensioners will receive increased pension payments this month, with the adjustment being backdated to January 2026, according to Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr Natalio Wheatley.
The announcement comes weeks after the Premier expressed frustration over delays in finalising recommendations for the long-promised increase, despite funds already being allocated in the 2026 Budget.
Speaking during his State of the Territory Address, Wheatley said the payments will bring long-awaited relief to retirees facing rising cost of living.
“I am also pleased to confirm that increased pension payments will be paid this month, retroactive to January 2026, bringing meaningful relief to many of our seniors who helped build this Territory,” he stated.
The issue has been a contentious one over the past year, particularly after active public officers benefited from salary increases while government pensioners were left out of the exercise.
In October 2025, Wheatley publicly apologised to retirees and pledged that the matter would be addressed during the next fiscal cycle. Last month, he revealed that funds for the increase had already been budgeted and urged officials responsible for preparing recommendations to move more quickly so Cabinet could make a final decision.
“Because our seniors deserve dignity, care and security,” the Premier said in his Address.
Wheatley also announced during the Address, that additional Recovery and Development Agency-supported projects aimed at improving seniors' homes and care facilities are advancing to enhance services and living conditions for older residents.
The announcement comes weeks after the Premier expressed frustration over delays in finalising recommendations for the long-promised increase, despite funds already being allocated in the 2026 Budget.
Speaking during his State of the Territory Address, Wheatley said the payments will bring long-awaited relief to retirees facing rising cost of living.
“I am also pleased to confirm that increased pension payments will be paid this month, retroactive to January 2026, bringing meaningful relief to many of our seniors who helped build this Territory,” he stated.
The issue has been a contentious one over the past year, particularly after active public officers benefited from salary increases while government pensioners were left out of the exercise.
In October 2025, Wheatley publicly apologised to retirees and pledged that the matter would be addressed during the next fiscal cycle. Last month, he revealed that funds for the increase had already been budgeted and urged officials responsible for preparing recommendations to move more quickly so Cabinet could make a final decision.
“Because our seniors deserve dignity, care and security,” the Premier said in his Address.
Wheatley also announced during the Address, that additional Recovery and Development Agency-supported projects aimed at improving seniors' homes and care facilities are advancing to enhance services and living conditions for older residents.
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