New coin to commemorate the centenary of the pension

The Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Nick Sherry, today launched a commemorative one dollar coin to mark the centenary of the Age Pension.

More than five million commemorative coins will be in circulation from tomorrow.

Ms Macklin said the launch coincided with the first day of the new pension payments under the Australian Government’s Secure and Sustainable Pension Reforms.

‘In the 100th year of the Age Pension, the Australian Government has delivered the most significant reforms to the pension since its introduction,’ Ms Macklin said.

‘These reforms will improve the pension’s adequacy for Australia’s 3.3 million age pensioners, disability support pensioners, carers, wife and widow pensioners and veteran income support recipients.’

The Assistant Treasurer said the coin honoured the contribution pensioners have made to Australian society.

‘The coin symbolises the spirit of the age pension – a commitment to the welfare of older Australians and the recognition of the role they have had in building our country,’ said the Assistant Treasurer.

‘More than five million coins going into circulation will provide the community with more than five million reminders of just how important and valued our pensioner community is.’

The coin was designed by leading designer Wojciech Pietranik.