|
Origins: The Country Liberal Party was formed in 1974 as a non-Labor party specifically committed to serving the interests of the Northern Territory. It claims to be the smallest political party to have formed a government in Australia. It is unique in that it is a regionally based party that has parliamentary representation at both the Federal and Territory government levels.
Interests Represented: The CLP describes itself as the party 'created by Territorians for Territorians' - its primary role is to represent the interests of the Northern Territorians. Although the CLP is an independent party it is closely associated with the Liberal and National Parties and it attracts support from traditional Liberal and National groups. The party's continued dominance of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly since 1974 does suggest it has broad support in both urban and rural areas of the Territory.
Values: The Country Liberal Party is committed to the advancement of the Northern Territory and the interests of Northern Territorians. It promotes this regional development within the framework of the traditional liberal values of individualism, 'reward for effort', and the central role of private enterprise in the economy. The CLP seeks to protect traditional conservative values as well as promoting 'progressive' social, economic and political policy. The party supports, for example, the move of the Northern Territory into full Statehood.
In the parliaments: The Country Liberal Party has commanded a majority in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly since1974. It has formed the government in the Territory since the beginning of self-government there in 1978. In Federal politics, it has been successful in sending CLP members to represent the Territory in the Senate of the Commonwealth Parliament. In the Senate the CLP member will often vote with the Liberal or National Parties, reflecting the close association of these three political parties.
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.
| 
