Australian pension must be granted for eligible Lankans living back here-by Senaka Weeraratna The law as it stands today requires an Australian living overseas to live in a ‘Treaty Country’ to qualify to receive the Australian pension. 31 countries have entered into Tax Treaties with Australia, but not Sri Lanka. India, a culturally compatible country has also done so. The failure of both Australia and Sri Lanka to conclude a viable Tax Treaty has caused prejudice to the rights and interests of pensioners of Australian-Sri Lankan heritage. More importantly to those who have left Australia for personal reasons and are unable to return to Australia to collect their retirement income. Several developed countries being the role models of governance and ethical administration e.g. the U.K., distribute their retirement pensions to whatever bank account in whatever country that is nominated by the pensioner. It is never too late for Australia to ...

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