Introduction to the Australian Democrats

RECLAIM THE CENTRE

A real alternative for Australian Politics

In the beginning...

New Liberal Movement & the Australia Party

saw a need for a centrist party.

Obligated to neither big business (Liberal)

nor trade unions (Labor).

1977

New Liberal Movement & the Australia Party merged to form

The Australian Democrats

Independent backbencher Don Chipp became leader.

Keep those bastards honest!

1980

In the lead-up to the 1980 Federal election, Don Chipp described the party’s aim as "To keep the

bastards honest".

This phrase became the Democrats' trademark and served them well as they headed into the

election. They secured balance of power in 1980 and maintained this for many years.

Janine HainesJanine Haines became the Democrats' first Federal parliamentarian when she replaced Steele Hall of the Liberal Movement in South

Australia.

I was the first female federalparliamentary leader of anAustralian political party!

What happened to them?

Janine Haines passed away in 2004 and Don Chipp in 2006. Other senators either retired or

lost their seats by 2008.

How are we different?

Founded on principles of honesty, tolerance, compassion.


Direct democracy through postal ballots of all members, so that "there should be no

hierarchical structure”.


Autonomy was given to parliamentary members by way of conscience votes.

The 23 Objectives

Enshrined in the National Constitution, the 23 Objectives determine the MO of the party.

Achievements

Too many to list for over 30 years of parliamentary representation, but here are some highlights:

Achievements

First female leaderYoungest women in parliament

Indigenous senatorsGay senators

Achievements

Rainforests Preservation Agreements Bill 1982Queensland Rainforests Conservation Bill 1984

Achievements

Defence Amendment (Overseas Troops) Bill 1985

Achievements

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Prohibition of Mining or Drilling Activities)

Achievements

Koongarra Project Area Repeal Bill 1986

Achievements1977-1986

Blocked a 2.5% increase in Sales TaxPrevented the destruction of the Franklin River

Blocked the amalgamation of the ABC and SBS


Fought the proposed Australia CardBlocked timed local calls by Telecom

Opposed mandatory detention policy for refugees

Introduced a private member's bill to end discrimination on the basis of sexuality


First party to apologise to the Stolen Generations.


Fought for the labelling of genetically modified foods


Initiated the RU486 debate that led to a landmark conscience vote on a woman's right to

reproductive choice


Tax deductions for land conservation

Party Structure

National ExecutiveNational Committees

TeamsGroupsClubs

State ExecutiveState Committees

Why we need them?

Understands interdependence Truly grass-roots democracy

Unique approach and unique ideas We bring something different

Not extreme views Represent a unique demographic

How can you help?

Get involved by: Join us – become a member or an associate

Donate Volunteering Fundraising

Events

Introduction to the Australian Democrats

News & Politics

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