Federation & Pensions

Throughout the late nineteenth century the population of aged people in Australia had been increasing, reaching 3.4% in 1901.The ability of the nation to offer its people pensions was a big part of the Federation movement but even after federation, pensions had still not been forthcoming.

By 1908 three elections had been returned with Governments promising the introduction of a pension for the aged and invalid.

So under pressure from the public a pension was finally introduced and funded under the Surplus Revenue Act of 1908.

from The Bulletin, 4 April 1885

This enabled the government to save it's surplus revenue for pensions and defence instead of returning it to the States.

Aboriginal and Asian Australians were completely excluded from the benefits of the pension. It was provided only for white citizens over 65, or those who could not work because of permanent disability. It provided 10 shillings a week. To qualify for the pension you had to have been an Autralian resident for at least twenty years. If you owned land of more than 310 pounds in value, your pension would be reduced.

It is interesting to note that, with current government moves toward superannuation schemes instead of pensions, it may not be for much longer that this noble principle, embodied in the very foundation of Australia's Federation, remains part of our national fabric.