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Conservatism in Australia refers to the political philosophy of conservatism as it has developed in Australia. Politics in Australia has, since at least the 1910s, been most predominantly a contest between the Australian labour movement (primarily the Australian Labor Party) and the combined forces of anti-Labour groups (primarily the Liberal-National Coalition). The anti-Labour groups have at times identified themselves as "free trade", "nationalist", "anti-communist", "liberal", and "right of centre", among other labels; until the 1990s, the label "conservative" had rarely been used in Australia, and when used it tended to be used by pro-Labour forces as a term of disparagement against their opponents. Electorally, conservatism has been the most successful political brand in Australian history.[1]
Like other countries with a Westminster system of government (but unlike the United States), the mainstream form of conservatism in Australia is liberal conservatism. On economic issues, conservatives typically support lower taxes and less government spending. Unlike in the United States, mainstream Australian conservatives often support some liberal reforms, such as same-sex marriage (which was legalised by the Coalition government of Malcolm Turnbull),[2][3][4] while typically remaining conservative on other issues such as legalising recreational cannabis.[5] Mainstream Australian conservatives also typically support Australia remaining a constitutional monarchy.
- ^ Kenny, Mark (19 August 2022). "Australian conservatism succumbs to the same radical tendency as like-minded parties abroad". The Conversation. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "Malcolm Turnbull makes conservative case for same-sex marriage at 'yes' launch". amp.smh.com.au. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "This is how everyone voted — and didn't vote — on same-sex marriage". ABC News. 8 December 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "Same-sex marriage: this is the Liberal Party I joined". amp.smh.com.au. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
- ^ "What Do Australia's Political Parties Think About Cannabis?". investingnews.com. Retrieved 8 February 2024.