About Labor
The Labor Party is Australia's oldest and largest political party.
Established in 1891, Labor has a proud history of achievement for the people of Australia . Today the Party plays an important role in providing greater opportunity and a fair go for all Australians.
The Australian Labor Party is a political Party which aims to improve the lives of ordinary people and to protect working people from exploitation. Perhaps what Labor stands for is best expounded by that greatly loved Labor Australian Prime Minister, Ben Chifley when he spoke to the NSW ALP Conference in 1949.
"…the job of getting the things the people of the country want comes from the roots of the Labour movement - the people who support it because they believe in a movement that has been built up to bring better conditions to the people. I try to think if the Labour movement, not as putting an extra sixpence in somebody's pocket, or making somebody Prime Minister or Premier, but as a movement bringing something better to the people, better standards of living, greater happiness to the mass of the people. We have a great objective - the light on the hill- which we aim to reach by working for the betterment of mankind not only here but anywhere we may give a helping hand. If it were not for that, the Labour movement would not be worth fighting for. If the movement can make someone more comfortable, give some father or mother a greater feeling of security for their children, a feeling that if a depression comes there will be work, that the Government is striving its hardest to do its best, then the Labour movement will be completely justified."
The Light On the Hill Speech
- Equal access to the opportunities and benefits of a changing world
- A strong economy matched by a commitment to justice, fairness & equity for all
- A strong role for national government
- Opportunity, security and progress for working people and their families
- Fairness
- Compassion and Equality.
- Human Rights
- Labour Rights
- Responsibility
- Democracy
- Community
- Economy
Labor values a strong economy with employment growth and low interest rates matched by a commitment to security, justice, fairness and equity for all.
We believe a sound economy provides the platform for building prosperity, maintaining investment in public services and achieving social justice.
Education
Labor values equal access to education and views education as one of the keys to delivering social justice and equality of opportunity.
The ALP is committed to a future where we all have access to the best education available and no one is left behind.
Health
Labor is committed to a health system that protects, maintains and improves the health of all Australians. Labor believes in a government that is investing in and reforming the health system to create a service fit for all Australians.
Environment
Labor recognises the fragile and diverse nature of our natural environment and is committed to its protection. Through sustainable development, and finding a balance between economic growth, social justice and environmental protection, Australians and their quality of life can be maintained and improved.
- Providing Security
- Creating Opportunity
- Environmental Sustainability
- Managing Change to ensure Security and Opportunity
