Labor, currently in government and led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, occupies the centre-left position in Australian politics. Its foundational values include:
- Strengthening workers’ rights
- Accessible healthcare and education
- A robust social safety net for vulnerable populations
Labor has a historical connection to unions, which garners both praise and criticism. Notable past policies include Medicare, government-funded paid parental leave, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Labor’s 2025 election commitments:
- Increasing bulk-billing incentives
- Cutting HECS debts by 20%
- Building additional childcare centres
- Reducing costs for contraception and menopause treatment
Liberal Party
The Liberal Party, led by Peter Dutton, forms part of the opposition. Positioned on the right of the political spectrum, it emphasizes:
- Smaller government and reduced regulation
- Individual freedoms and personal responsibility
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Founded in 1944, the party has implemented significant reforms such as gun control laws after the Port Arthur Massacre, introducing the GST, and establishing Australia’s AUKUS submarine pact.
The Liberal Party is often viewed as aligned with business interests, prompting varied public reactions.
Liberal Party’s 2025 election commitments:
- Developing nuclear power plants over the coming decades
- Cutting 46,000 public service jobs and restricting remote work
- Reducing permanent migration by 25%
- Matching Labor’s bulk-billing rate increase
National Party
The Nationals, led by David Littleproud, align with the Liberals to form the Coalition opposition. Founded over 100 years ago, their core focus is representing regional and rural communities. Their key priorities include:
- Promoting individual achievement and private enterprise
- Supporting agriculture and rural development
- Advocating for the mining and resources sectors
A Nationals MP traditionally serves as deputy prime minister when the Coalition is in government.
Greens Party
The Greens, situated furthest left among the prominent parties, arose from environmental activism in the 1980s. While never governing, they have frequently influenced policy through the balance of power in the Senate or in minority governments. Core values include:
- Environmental protection
- Social justice
- Increased government support payments
The Greens’ proposals, such as introducing dental care into Medicare and taxing the wealthy at higher rates, are often criticized for perceived impracticality or high costs.
Greens’ 2025 election commitments:
- Incorporating dental care into Medicare
- Ending coal and gas extraction
- Freezing rent increases
- Introducing higher taxes for billionaires
This overview captures the core values and election commitments of Australia’s key political parties, offering voters insights into their fundamental priorities and proposals.
