During the early 1900s in Australia, life was harsh but for those who worked effectively, they became prosperous. Australia was in fact one of the most secure and economical places to find work, that is a working man's paradise.
Australian workers were, in many ways, considered much better off than their counterparts. They were given higher wages, and much more fringe benefits. Social Security legislation passed in 1905 meant that from July 1909, people aged over 65 years were given a pension of $52 per year. New South Wales had already started paying their aged citizens a pension since Federation.
Shorter working times, workers compensation, maternity allowances, invalid pension and increased leisure time all helped create Australia as an image of a working mans paradise. Also, those who served in the Boer War were given an additional pension for their commitment.
Australian workers were, in many ways, considered much better off than their counterparts. They were given higher wages, and much more fringe benefits. Social Security legislation passed in 1905 meant that from July 1909, people aged over 65 years were given a pension of $52 per year. New South Wales had already started paying their aged citizens a pension since Federation.
Shorter working times, workers compensation, maternity allowances, invalid pension and increased leisure time all helped create Australia as an image of a working mans paradise. Also, those who served in the Boer War were given an additional pension for their commitment.