A study of contrasts.....

Taken from websites directly, without editing in any way. This is how the two major parties present themselves.


We Believe

In the inalienable rights and freedoms of all peoples; and we work towards a lean government that minimises interference in our daily lives; and maximises individual and private sector initiative.

In Government that nurtures and encourages its citizens through incentive, rather than putting limits on people through the punishing disincentives of burdensome taxes and the stifling structures of Labor's corporate state and bureaucratic red tape.

In the most basic freedoms of parliamentary democracy - the freedom of thought, worship, speech and association.

In a just and humane society in which the importance of the family and the role of law and justice is maintained.

In equal opportunity for all Australians; and the encouragement and facilitation of wealth so that all may enjoy the highest possible standards of living, health, education and social justice.

That, wherever possible, government should not compete with an efficient private sector, and that businesses and individuals - not government - are the true creators of wealth and employment.

In preserving Australia's natural beauty and the environment for future generations.

That our nation has a constructive role to play in maintaining world peace and democracy through alliance with other free nations.


Liberal view states several times the need for Government to ease back and the private sector to be given all opportunity for wealth creation. Does this reiterate the rumblings regarding public service slashings and privatisation? Certainly seems that way. Note also that they have mentioned Labor in quite scathing tones. Perhaps unnecessary to state that a Liberal must by default abhor Labor. Is it just me or is it bothersome that freedom to worship is ahead of speech? Perhaps they are not in order of importance and it is just a case of reading too much into that section.. I do like the last two however. Environmental protection and world peace are very important and lofty goals. Slashing world aid and abolishing the climate change legislation are against their core beliefs as it turns out.



We believe in:

● giving all Australians the opportunity to achieve their potential and contribute to their community and national life
● empowering all Australians to shape their own lives for the better
● making available the dignity and benefits of work to all those Australians who can participate
● providing the best education, from cradle to grave, where background is no barrier to achievement
● supporting family life and improving living standards and quality of life
● rewarding the effort of hard work and supporting people to enter, re-enter and progress in the workforce.
● providing access to employment, education, housing, health care, a strong social safety net, information technology, culture and recreation, and legal rights
● building an economy which provides sustained economic growth and opportunity, decoupled from the growth of emissions and environmental damage.

Labor view. No mention of Liberals. No mention of private sector OR public sector. Just people, and communities and living well. Education rates a mention here and is deemed important enough to have it's own statement. Lots of mentions for work and working but not in terms of wealth. No mention either of freedoms which is interesting or perhaps they consider that a given being that we live in a democracy which has no freedom of speech laws.

Take what you will from either of these. I found them interesting and a study of contrasts. Hopefully you find the same.