The definition of charity in Australia is derived from English common law, originally from the Charitable Use Act 1601 and then several centuries of case law based on it.
Growth in the 19th century
In the 19th century, many charitable organizations emerged to alleviate the terrible conditions of the working class in slums.
Early Systems
Until the mid-18th century, charity spread mainly through religious buildings (e.g., the English Poor Law of 1601), almshouses, and bequests from the wealthy.