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 and policies 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 size and in the ways they organise themselves 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 lifespan while others seem able to maintain themselves as long-term players on the political stage.

• Australian Greens
• Australian Labor Party
• Country Liberal Party
• Family First
• Liberal Party
• The Nationals
• Other Parties & Independents

Click here for links to all parties in Australia.