Learning module:
Progressive ideas and movements Defining Moments, 1750–1918
Investigation 2: Socialism
1x
2.4 1908 National age and invalid pensions
State Library of South Australia, PRG 1258/2/1350
In 1908 the Commonwealth Parliament had to make a decision: would it take on the cost of providing financial support to Australians who were too old or sick to work? Or would it leave this support up to the charities and religious institutions that had been doing it for many years?
Read the information about the passing of the Invalid and Old-Age Pensions Act in the Defining Moment in Australian history: 1908 Legislation introducing national age and invalid pensions. Use that information to answer these questions.
Look back at the Key Questions. Which of these questions do you think you can now answer fully? Which need more research?
