introduction to the australian democrats
DESCRIPTION
Intro & brief history of the Australian Democrats political party.TRANSCRIPT
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RECLAIM THE CENTRE
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A real alternative for Australian Politics
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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).
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1977
New Liberal Movement & the Australia Party merged to form
The Australian Democrats
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Independent backbencher Don Chipp became leader.
Keep those bastards honest!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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How are we different?
Founded on principles of honesty, tolerance, compassion.
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How are we different?
Direct democracy through postal ballots of all members, so that "there should be no
hierarchical structure”.
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How are we different?
Autonomy was given to parliamentary members by way of conscience votes.
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The 23 Objectives
Enshrined in the National Constitution, the 23 Objectives determine the MO of the party.
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Achievements
Too many to list for over 30 years of parliamentary representation, but here are some highlights:
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Achievements
First female leaderYoungest women in parliament
Indigenous senatorsGay senators
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Achievements
Rainforests Preservation Agreements Bill 1982Queensland Rainforests Conservation Bill 1984
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Achievements
Defence Amendment (Overseas Troops) Bill 1985
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Achievements
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Amendment (Prohibition of Mining or Drilling Activities)
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Achievements
Koongarra Project Area Repeal Bill 1986
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Achievements1977-1986
Blocked a 2.5% increase in Sales TaxPrevented the destruction of the Franklin River
Blocked the amalgamation of the ABC and SBS
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Achievements1987-1996
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
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Achievements1997-2007
First party to apologise to the Stolen Generations.
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Achievements1997-2007
Fought for the labelling of genetically modified foods
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Achievements1997-2007
Initiated the RU486 debate that led to a landmark conscience vote on a woman's right to
reproductive choice
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Achievements1997-2007
Tax deductions for land conservation
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Party Structure
National ExecutiveNational Committees
TeamsGroupsClubs
State ExecutiveState Committees
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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
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