|
Origins: The Australian Labor Party was formed in the 1890s by trade unions seeking a political voice and an increase of influence in government after the failure of the shearers and maritime strikes. Recognised as the oldest political party in Australia, Labor formed its first government in Queensland in 1899 - before Federation
Interests Represented: The party developed as an organisation to represent the interests of paid labour – that is, the workers. Strongest membership and financial support comes from trade unions. Its strongest electoral support resides within inner city and industrial suburbs with populations characterised by lower incomes and blue-collar occupations. Since the 1970s the party has been attracting broader support from middle class professional occupation groups such as nurses, teachers and social workers
Values:The ALP has traditionally advocated improved working and living conditions for the wage-earning population. Labor believes that unregulated private enterprise tends to produce inequalities and injustices. The party argues for a more equal distribution of wealth and opportunity achieved through government economic intervention and the provision of services
In the Parliaments: The Australian Labor Party is represented in all Federal, State and Territory Parliaments and has governed in most parliaments many times since Federation
Political Parties in Australia
Political parties have become an essential part of Australia's parliamentary democracy. In Australia, governments work from a 'party system'. This means that the party or the coalition of parties with the largest number of elected members in parliament usually forms the government of the day.
Political parties are formed by groups of people with common interests and outlook who come together with the aim of either forming government or strengthening their influence on government. Each party creates policies that will achieve its aims and then presents candidates for election to parliament. If a party's policies are attractive to enough voters they will achieve a majority of members in the parliament and then form the government. As the government they can then put their ideas into action. The party with the second largest number of members usually forms the official 'opposition'. Parties with only a few seats in parliament are referred to as 'minor parties'. Individual citizens who are not members of a party may also be elected to parliament and they become known as 'independents'. Independents and minor parties can have considerable influence on what a government can do but it is the party or coalition of parties with the majority of seats which forms government.
Parties vary in their size and ways of organising as well as in their policies. Some parties operate both nationally and in each of the States. Others operate only at a State level. Also, as society and issues change, so do the parties. They can change their policies, their support base, their organisation – and sometimes, their name! Some parties have a very short life span while others seem able to maintain themselves as long-term players on the political stage.
Currently there are 70 political parties registered with the Australian Electoral Commission. The parties described here are the main parties currently operating in Australian parliaments.
| 
