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

Front page of Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900.

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 page of Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act 1900.

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. There is a a red ribbon tied in a bow on the left hand side of the document. The paper looks faded from age.

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