Lecture 10 - Professor Mary Walsh PDF

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Week 10 Lecture Political Parties in Australia   The Party System  Party system = is a political system where governments are formed via electoral contestation between rival parties.  The party system has been a central element in the Australian political system for nearly 100 years.  Party ...

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Week 10 Lecture Political Parties in Australia The Party System  Party system = is a political system where governments are formed via electoral contestation between rival parties.  The party system has been a central element in the Australian political system for nearly 100 years.  Party system is considered democratic, but does this mean it actually is democratic? Depends on how one defines democratic.  Historical contestations about direct democracy and representative democracy provide stories and narratives suggesting direct democracy is impossible.  

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The party system has been a distinctive feature of 20th & 21st century politics although it has been criticised. Those wanting to change have advocated: o Parties eradicate their differences and work for the good of all. o Government should be formed by all the best leaders from all walks of life. o During an emergency situation all power should be given to a trusted leader who has the confidence of all. The two party system has dominated Australian federal politics, as the two major parties have controlled the nature of political debated which has in turn limited the possibilities for Australian citizens - that was until the 2010 federal election = hung parliament. Minor parties, micro parties & independents are also gaining in importance (the Nationals, the Australian Democrats, the Greens, Palmer United Party, Family First, One Nation, Nuclear Disarmament Party, Katter's Australia Party) especially in the Senate, and since the federal election in 2010, increasingly so in the House of Representatives, especially after the call for a double dissolution election in 2016. The new political landscape - the post 2016 federal election.

Should there be a two-party system in Australian politics?  Yes: o Two party system produces stable government. o Connections between people and political institutions are clear. o Represents the most salient division of our society. o Major parties contain and resolve some of the divisions in present society. o Provides organisation necessary for democracy.  No: o Lack of constraint on political executives (cabinet dominates parliament). o We could have real debates in parliament. o Limits pools of talent for political executive. o Two major parties no longer represent an important division in society. o Two major parties have converged and no longer offer a meaningful choice. What is a political party?  A political party is "a group of citizens organised to try to secure power through elections" (Singleton, 2003:254)

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Common characteristics of political parties include: 1. Ideology - the ideological position of the party means that they have a vision of how they think society should be organised and how this should be achieved. 2. Discipline - parties vote together in parliament and individuals have to accept this. 3. Organisation - the party in the parliament is assisted by supporters (particularly at elections).

The Liberal Party  The ideology of the Liberal Party o Mixes two main ideologies together. 1. Liberalisation (in the economy) 2. Conservatism (in the society) o More specifically, their agenda is referred to as 'modern conservatism.' o The Howard government (1996-2007) represented taxation reform, good economic management and debt repayment (reduce role of government/public sector). o The Abbott government 92013-2015) cutting government debt, paid parental leave, war against ISIS, axe the tax, stop the boats. o The Turnbull government (2015>) what does this government represent… more of the same? Or, is there difference between the PMs leading the Liberal Party (socially conservative values vs liberal values).            

Initiative and enterprise. In alienable rights and freedoms for individuals. Small government (limited government interference in people's everyday lives). Maximising individual and private sector initiative (ideological disposition to the public realm). Encourage citizens via incentives no disincentives like taxation. Offshore processing of asylum seekers. Equal opportunity. Freedoms of parliamentary democracy - freedom of though, worship, speech and association. Encouragement and facilitation of wealth building for high living standards. Believe government should not compete with an efficient private sector, as individuals and businesses are the true wealth creators in society. Preserve the environment. Australia has a role in securing world peace and stability.

The ALP  The ALP position includes the following 1. Equal access to opportunities and benefits. 2. Commitment to strong economy and justice system - with fairness and equity for all. 3. A strong role for national government to ensure that the benefits are shared by all Australians. 4. Assistance to families to better manage commitments of work, family and social obligations. 5. A constructive partnership with the trade union movement to ensure opportunity, security and progress for working people and their families.

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Ensuring fairness through equal opportunity, the removal of unjustifiable discrimination and the achievement of a more equitable distribution of wealth, income and status. 7. Compassion for the disadvantaged, oppressed or those struggling to cope. 

Historically, the ALP has represented the collective power of workers, but its developed from the 1970s to the present demonstrates that it has adapted to the changing pressures of capitalism and globalisation....