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Liberalism in Australia - Definition and Overview |
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This article is part of or related
to the Liberalism series
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This article gives an overview of liberalism in Australia. It is limited to liberal parties with substantial support, mainly proved by having had a representation in parliament. The sign ⇒ means a reference to another party in that scheme. For inclusion in this scheme it isn't necessary so that parties labeled themselves as a liberal party.
Introduction
The orginal liberal current, united since 1909 in the Commonwealth Liberal Party, became the leading right-wing party in Australia and developed into a conservative direction.
In Australia the usage of the world Liberalism is complicated by the fact that the Liberal Party of Australia is a right-of-centre party encompassing thought from both conservative and classical liberal traditions (although as of 2004 the conservative wing, represented by John Howard, is dominant). The use of the word "liberal" in reference to right wing politics in Australia can, perhaps, be traced back to Australia's first federal parliament. There, the political debate was about whether the fledgling nation should pursue a protectionist or free market trade policy, with the right wing vote divided between these two parties.
Yet liberalism continues to be used in the sense of "social liberalism" in Australia. Thus the label "small l-liberal" is often used to distinguish such uses of the word 'liberal' from its use as a proper noun (ie Liberal). It generally refers in Australia to someone who champions civil liberties and progressive causes such as Australian republicanism and Aboriginal reconciliation, while maintaining a non-interventionist approach in economics. Some "small-l liberals", such as Malcolm Turnbull find a home among the Liberal Party, but many, such as Greg Barns, have moved to the Democrats.
Nowadays one can distinguish the conservative Liberal Party of Australia and the left of center liberal Australian Democrats, of which the more center oriented Australian Progressive Alliance separated itself.
The timeline
From Protectionist Party to Liberal Party of Australia
Free Trade Party
- 1880s: The Free Trade Party is formed
- 1909: The FTP merged with the ⇒ Protectionist Party into the ⇒ Commonwealth Liberal Party
From Liberal Reform Group to Australian Democrats
- 1966: The Liberal Reform Group seceded from the conservative Liberal Party of Australia. it is renamed Liberal Reform Movement in 1969 and Australia Party in 1969
- 1977: The AP merged with dissident members of the Liberal Party of Australia into present-day Australian Democrats
- 2003: A faction formed the ⇒ Australian Progressive Alliance
Australian Progressive Alliance
Liberal leaders
See also
References
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