1. OVERVIEW OF AUSTRALIAN POLITICAL PARTIES
A brief look at the main political parties operating in Australia. These are the parties that dominate political process.
2. FUNCTIONS OF POLITICAL PARTIES
An overview of the main functions of political parties in a parliamentary system of government.
3. REGISTERED POLITICAL PARTIES
Full list of political parties registered with the Australian Electoral Commission.
4. AUSTRALIAN LABOR PARTY
Australia’s oldest political party, formed in 1890.
5. LIBERAL PARTY
The major non-Labor party, comprising liberal and conservative tendencies. The current party was founded by Robert Menzies in 1944.
6. THE NATIONALS
A rural-based party, originally known as the Country Party. Now called The Nationals, it remains a crucial coalition partner for the Liberal Party.
7. AUSTRALIAN GREENS
Formed in the 1980s, the Greens is now the dominant minor party. In addition to winning Senate seats in all states, the Greens are now winning House of Representatives seats and lower house seats in various states.
8. AUSTRALIAN DEMOCRATS
Formed in 1977 by a disaffected Liberal, Don Chipp, the Australian Democrats was once the most successful minor political party in Australian history. It held or shared the balance of power in the Senate for over 20 years but has had no representation in the Senate since 2008.
9. PAULINE HANSON’S ONE NATION
Formed by a disendorsed Liberal Party candidate, Pauline Hanson, One Nation rose to prominence in 1998. It soon succumbed to infighting and quickly declined.
