Is the Australian government bound by the constitution to pay each Australian citizen a pension? If so why isn't it being done?

Front cover of the Australian Constitution held together with a red ribbon tied in a bow on the left side. The paper appears faded from age.

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900: Original Public Record Copy (1900).

Parliament House Art Collection, Art Services Parliament House

Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, 1900: Original Public Record Copy (1900).

Front cover of the Australian Constitution held together with a red ribbon tied in a bow on the left side. The paper appears faded from age.

Parliament House Art Collection, Art Services Parliament House

Description

This image shows the front page of the original public record copy of the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900.

Permission for publication must be sought from Parliament House Art Collection. Contact DPS Art Services, phone: 02 62775034 or 02 62775123

Thanks for your question Rosemary! The Australian Constitution gives the Australian Parliament the power to make laws about old-age and disability pensions (section 51(xxiii)) and other types of welfare payments (section 51(xxiiiA)). It does not say how these should be provided, only that the Parliament can make laws about these areas.

You can find current pension laws on the Federal Register of Legislation website.