6. Political parties

Snapshot: A tale of two parties: One Nation and the Australian Democrats
Three party models—Party representation and demographic change—Policy positions—Party organisation—Independents in Australian politics

1. Membership of political parties has declined steadily for some time. What factors are behind this? Are there other ways that people express their political allegiances?

2. The classic white collar/blue collar division in voter preferences is no longer as relevant as it once was. What other demographic factors play a role in voting habits?

3. How have the two major parties adapted to this gradual demographic change? What meaningful differences in policy remain?

4. What are some possible factors in the rise in importance of independent representatives?

5. The Democrats were once a powerful political force, yet in 2008 they have been all but annihilated. Can you account for this? How has the Greens party capitalised on the decline of this once formidable ‘third force’?

6. How do Australian political parties select their election candidates? Should this process be controlled by the party’s members or central office?

7. Sometimes independents (and/or small parties) can hold the balance of power over government legislation. How does this fit in with the concept of a government mandate?

Resources

The Australia Parliamentary Library’s list of all registered political parties

Official page of the Federal Australian Labor Party

Official Page of the Federal Liberal Party of Australia