The Australian Labor Party (ALP) is a political party built on the support of the working class. It descended from labour parties founded in the various Australian colonies by the emerging labour movement in Australia to become a federal party, present at the first sitting of the Australian parliament in 1901.
Often considered the more progressive of the two major political parties, the Australian Labor Party was the first political party to have a female Prime Minister. In 1983, Prime Minister Bob Hawke agreed with labour unions that workers would stop seeking wage increases. In return, the government would deliver a "social wage" — entitlements and benefits that would improve Australians' quality of life and working conditions.
It was these actions that differentiate the Australian Labor Party from the conservatives in the Liberal party. After being soundly defeated at the last election, they have decided to drop their opposition to the government's substantial tax cuts and abandon their long-term tax policy to reduce negative gearing tax concessions.
As they move further to the right, they are at risk of becoming a cheap imitation of the current government. They are unlikely to provide a viable alternative government for the progressive voters at the election next year.
Often considered the more progressive of the two major political parties, the Australian Labor Party was the first political party to have a female Prime Minister. In 1983, Prime Minister Bob Hawke agreed with labour unions that workers would stop seeking wage increases. In return, the government would deliver a "social wage" — entitlements and benefits that would improve Australians' quality of life and working conditions.
It was these actions that differentiate the Australian Labor Party from the conservatives in the Liberal party. After being soundly defeated at the last election, they have decided to drop their opposition to the government's substantial tax cuts and abandon their long-term tax policy to reduce negative gearing tax concessions.
As they move further to the right, they are at risk of becoming a cheap imitation of the current government. They are unlikely to provide a viable alternative government for the progressive voters at the election next year.