Destitute Asylum Act 1863, South Australia

The Destitute Asylum Act (No 2 of 26 and 27 Vic, 1863) was passed and commenced on 12 November 1863. Its full title was: An Act for the Regulation of the Asylum for the Destitute Poor and other Purposes. The Destitute Asylum Act 1863 established an asylum for the destitute poor. It gave the Government the power to make rules and regulations for the management of the Destitute Asylum. Asylum residents or their relatives were asked for maintenance contributions if their circumstances permitted. The Act was repealed by the Destitute Persons Relief Act 1866-7 on 11 January 1867.

The Destitute Asylum Act 1863 was passed in response to years of concerns and complaints about the management of, and conditions in, the Destitute Asylum. This Act gave the Government the power ‘to make rules and regulations for the maintenance of order, discipline, decency, and cleanliness’ among residents of the Asylum. It also allowed the Government to find suitable employment for the residents.

Despite the passing of the Act, conditions deteriorated further. The Destitute Asylum was publicly criticised and the Governor was urged to remove the children to a separate facility. The passing of the Destitute Persons Relief Act in 1866 allowed for the establishment of these separate facilities. This new legislation repealed the Destitute Asylum Act 1863.