with the passage of an amendment and regulations to the Pensions Act.

The National Pensions Scheme (Occupational Pensions) Amendment and the National Pension Scheme (General) Regulations passed without objection in the final Senate session of the year.

Government Sen. Patrice Parris introduced the legislation, saying they tied up "loose ends'' in the Pensions Act of 1998.

She added the Pensions Commission had canvassed the business community and others involved with the administration of pensions and had come up with practical changes to the Act.

Senate Opposition Leader Maxwell Burgess said much of the push for a national pension scheme had come from a realisation that people were living longer now than in times past.

"It makes eminent sense to set in place a pension scheme to minimise the impact that is presently felt by our seniors,'' Sen. Burgess said. "I urge Government to keep a watching brief on how small businesses are faring under this.

"Small businesses are the engine that drive the economy.'' Independent Sen. Walwyn Hughes , a former senior civil servant, said he was happy to see both the changes to the Act and the new regulations, but added he did not want to see a new bureaucracy.

Sen. Hughes added -- with a smile -- that now he had considered the numerous changes found in the new legislation, with hindsight, the Senate should have "turned back'' the original Act.

Government Sen. Calvin Smith expressed his long held concern for people over age 65 who did not have the cushion of a pension.

"One of the things I have been concerned about since my return from (university in) Canada is pensions for all,'' Sen. Smith said. "You'll be amazed how fast that 65 comes around!'' Sen. Parris said the regulations will gather the information required of companies for compliance with the Act and the proper winding up procedure for a pension.

Pamphlets and other aids will be provided for business and working people, she said, including electronic forms provided over the Internet.

Government Leader in the Senate Milton Scott encouraged small business people to hurry and enrol their employees in a pension plan, explaining there has been some confusion.

He said people were not aware that they have had almost two years to get involved in a scheme but only have a week left.