Social Legislation 1901–1914 Social Legislation 1901–1914

Most Significant Changes Harvester Judgement Harvester Judgement Basic Wage Basic Wage Invalid and old-age Pension Schemes Invalid and old-age Pension Schemes Maternity Allowance Scheme Maternity Allowance Scheme

Harvester Judgement 1907 Justice Higgins established what became known as the Harvester Judgement 1907 Justice Higgins established what became known as the Harvester Judgement It was named after the determination whether H.V. McKay’s Sunshine Harvester Company was paying a fair wage It was named after the determination whether H.V. McKay’s Sunshine Harvester Company was paying a fair wage This set down in law the concept of a Basic Wage This set down in law the concept of a Basic Wage Higgins calculated the amount of money required to feed, house, clothe and a minimum standard of living for a couple with 3 children – 7 shillings a day for a 6 day week Higgins calculated the amount of money required to feed, house, clothe and a minimum standard of living for a couple with 3 children – 7 shillings a day for a 6 day week This became the method for determining a minimum wage for unskilled workers over the next 60 years This became the method for determining a minimum wage for unskilled workers over the next 60 years Skilled workers were to be paid more Skilled workers were to be paid more Women were paid 54% of a man’s minimum wage Women were paid 54% of a man’s minimum wage

Court of Arbitration After Federation a Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration was set up in 1904After Federation a Commonwealth Court of Conciliation and Arbitration was set up in 1904 It was here that industrial disputes that involved more than one state could be resolvedIt was here that industrial disputes that involved more than one state could be resolved Justice Higgins was one of the judges of this court Justice Higgins was one of the judges of this court The system is still operating todayThe system is still operating today

PENSIONS 1908 – Commonwealth Old Age Pension and Invalid Pension 1908 – Commonwealth Old Age Pension and Invalid Pension 1912 – Workers’ Compensation 1912 – Workers’ Compensation

Maternity Allowance Scheme This was also known as the “Baby Bonus” This was also known as the “Baby Bonus” It was about 2 week’s pay and was intended to help provide proper medical attention for the mother and her new baby It was about 2 week’s pay and was intended to help provide proper medical attention for the mother and her new baby It was introduced by the Fisher Labor Government in 1912 It was introduced by the Fisher Labor Government in 1912

TIME LINE ACTIVITY Create a linear timeline using an appropriate scale and record the industrial and social reforms Create a linear timeline using an appropriate scale and record the industrial and social reforms

Empathy Task Write about the impact of one or more of the industrial and social reforms 1901 – 1914 Write about the impact of one or more of the industrial and social reforms 1901 – 1914 Choose one of the following forms Choose one of the following forms –Letter (to the editor; personal) –Narrative –Script (interview, play) –Poem You should write about 200 words You should write about 200 words

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