Welcome

[Democrats protester] In 1977 the Australian Democrats were formed to bring honesty, tolerance and compassion to Australian politics and to "keep the bastards honest". Since that time we have consistently campaigned for government accountability, an environmentally sustainable future, and a fair and just society.

Click HERE for Australian Democrats National Launch on ABC News There is also a video of the National Launch

The Australian Democrats’ record in holding balance of power in the Senate is strong. Ever since 1981 when we were instrumental in saving the Franklin River, and on to the 1990’s when we negotiated fair and balanced tax and IR reforms and stronger environment laws, the Democrats have shown their worth in knocking off the extreme edges of government policy.

Even since 2005, without balance of power, we have had big wins. We led the campaign to overturn the ministerial veto on RU486 – a great step forward - for women, by women!

The Democrats also initiate (and often chair) important Senate inquiries – most recently on salinity and mental health – giving us direct influence on government policy.

Australian Democrats Policies

*******************************************************************************************

We need your time and money now to assist us in retaining the Balance of Power. If you are able to assist us with
donations please click donation details for further information. Your Support is appreciated.

*******************************************************************************************

Click here for NSW Democrats Media Releases

An Election eBulletin from the Australian Democrats 23 Nov 2007

Party Objectives

To be beholden to no group or groups in the community but to serve the best interests of all Australians.
To accept the challenges of the predicament of humanity on the planet with its exponentially increasing population, disappearing finite resources and accelerating deterioration of the environment.
To recognise the interdependence of all people and all nations, to co-operate fully with the United Nations, and to accept our obligation to the developing countries by co-operating with them in their social and economic development.
To seek the transition to a sustainable economy, in equilibrium with world resources and eco-systems, with a minimum of dislocation by planning the necessary changes in good time, and by increasing public awareness of problems ahead.
To be even-handed to employee and employer, and reconcile their real interests by encouraging industrial democracy and other appropriate forms of co-operation.
To foster greater mutual understanding as well as greater equality in income per hour of work, between city and country dwellers.
To stimulate the development of a multi-faceted national culture, with full opportunity for all ethnic groups to contribute.
To further unite the people of Australia by co-operative , indicative national planning, taking into account social, economic and environmental objectives.
To seek improvement in the quality of human relationships in all aspects of society and the economy, through honesty, tolerance, compassion and a sense of mutual obligation.
To decentralise power, to oppose its concentration in the hands of sectional groups, and to ensure that the power of large groups or of bureaucracies is not allowed to override the interests of individuals or of smaller groups.
To achieve and defend effective participatory democracy and open government by appropriate constitutional, parliamentary and government reforms.
By supporting existing rural and provincial industries and in other ways, to stem, and finally reverse, the flow of population to the cities.
In social and health services to emphasise prevention rather than cure.
To foster community activities and the growth of community spirit, bringing government and health and social services closer to the people.
To enable people to pursue their own way of life so long as they do not interfere with the rights of others.
To provide throughout life an education for living as well as for earning a living.
To ensure ready access to the media for public communication.
To ensure that the basic needs of all people are securely met, and to distribute income, wealth, social services and opportunity more equitably without undermining either incentive or self-respect.
To encourage individual initiative and enterprise and to recognise the need for self-fulfilment.
Animals should be protected from cruelty and exploitation.
To recognise the rights of all people to self-determination.
To ensure the maintenance of biodiversity, to protect threatened species and to provide for better habitat protection.
To seek the election to Parliament of members committed to the objectives of the Party.

Welcome

Next: Beginnings