Australia's policy towards the aged: 1890-1972

Abstract

Sections of the Australian aged community have received cash allowances on a non-contributory and selective basis since 1900. This makes Australia one of the first countries to establish an age pension scheme. It is also one of the very few that has not followed the world trend by adopting some form of compulsory social insurance. This thesis has three aims. Firstly, to explain why Australia decided to provide non-contributory and selective cash age pensions around the turn of the century. Secondly, to examine the various abortive attempts that were subsequently made to establish a comprehensive social insurance scheme. Thirdly, to examine the various changes that were made to the Australian age pension scheme between 1909 and 1972. The study has been divided into four sections. Show more