Conservatism in Australia: Difference between revisions
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In Australia however there are some differences in the political landscape in which conservatism exists, compared to what is found in other countries. |
In Australia however there are some differences in the political landscape in which conservatism exists, compared to what is found in other countries. |
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* Conservatives generally, but not exclusively, oppose the idea of Australia becoming a [[republic]], changing the [[flag of Australia|flag]] or removing perceived vestiges of Australia's British legacy.<ref>{{cite book|author=D Dutton|title=One of Us? A Century of Australian Citizenship|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yhHLW5gVUisC&pg=PA83|year=2002|publisher=UNSW Press|page=83}}</ref> |
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* Australia undertook significant economic reform under the centre-left [[Australian Labor Party]] in the mid-1980s. Consequently issues like [[protectionism]], [[welfare reform]], [[privatisation]] and [[deregulation]] are no longer debated in the political space as they are in Europe or North America. |
* Australia undertook significant economic reform under the centre-left [[Australian Labor Party]] in the mid-1980s. Consequently issues like [[protectionism]], [[welfare reform]], [[privatisation]] and [[deregulation]] are no longer debated in the political space as they are in Europe or North America. |
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==Republicanism== |
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Whether Australia should remain under the Queen of England or become a republic was a contentious issue in the 1990s; it is presently on the back burner. In 1998 when debate peaked, Howard took the monarchist position favoured by most conservatives. Howard argued that the monarchy had provided a long period of stability and whilst he said there was no question that Australia was a fully independent nation, he believed that the "separation of the ceremonial and executive functions of government" and the presence of a neutral "defender of constitutional integrity" was an advantage in government and that no republican model would be as effective in providing such an outcome as the [[Monarchy in Australia|Australian constitutional monarchy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pandora.nla.gov.au/nph-arch/1999/Z1999-Dec-10/http://www.theage.com.au/republic98/hansard/hans1.html |title=Pandora Archive |publisher=Pandora.nla.gov.au |date=23 August 2006 |accessdate=13 May 2011}}</ref> Despite opinion polls suggesting Australians favoured a republic, a 1999 referendum rejected the model chosen by the convention. Conservatives generally support keeping the [[flag of Australia|current flag]] (with its British insignia), oppose multiculturalism, are reluctant to apologize for the treatment of aboriginals, are dubious about postmodernism, and are proud of the nation's British heritage.<ref>{{cite book|author=D Dutton|title=One of Us? A Century of Australian Citizenship|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=yhHLW5gVUisC&pg=PA83|year=2002|publisher=UNSW Press|page=83}}</ref> |
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==Notes== |
==Notes== |
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Revision as of 06:26, 1 September 2012
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Conservativism in Australia covers similar political issues as found in other Western democracies. In the early 20th century the self-styled "liberals" had connections with radicals and reform movements. However as John Howard, the Liberal prime minister 1997-2007, has argued, the Liberal Party became the trustee of both the classical liberal and conservative traditions.[1]
In Australia political conservatism is primarily represented by the Liberal Party of Australia, and its rural-based coalition partner, the National Party (although arguably it is more agrarian in approach). Moser and Catley explain, "In America, 'liberal' means left-of-center, and it is a pejorative term when used by conservatives in adversarial political debate. In Australia, of course, the conservatives are in the Liberal Party."[2] Jupp points out that, "[the] decline in English influences on Australian reformism and radicalism, and appropriation of the symbols of Empire by conservatives continued under the Liberal Party leadership of Sir Robert Menzies, which lasted until 1966."[3] Beecher comments that, "across the economic and cultural landscape, Howard proved that the centre of politics in Australia is inherently conservative."[4]
There have been other minor parties which may be perceived to be conservative or right wing in orientation on account of some of their policies, including the One Nation Party, Shooters Party and Pauline's United Australia Party, although many would not champion classical liberal approach to economics adopted by the Liberal Party.[5]
Conservative think tanks in Australia include Centre for Independent Studies, the H. R. Nicholls Society and the Menzies Research Centre.[6]
In Australia however there are some differences in the political landscape in which conservatism exists, compared to what is found in other countries.
- Australia undertook significant economic reform under the centre-left Australian Labor Party in the mid-1980s. Consequently issues like protectionism, welfare reform, privatisation and deregulation are no longer debated in the political space as they are in Europe or North America.
Republicanism
Whether Australia should remain under the Queen of England or become a republic was a contentious issue in the 1990s; it is presently on the back burner. In 1998 when debate peaked, Howard took the monarchist position favoured by most conservatives. Howard argued that the monarchy had provided a long period of stability and whilst he said there was no question that Australia was a fully independent nation, he believed that the "separation of the ceremonial and executive functions of government" and the presence of a neutral "defender of constitutional integrity" was an advantage in government and that no republican model would be as effective in providing such an outcome as the Australian constitutional monarchy.[7] Despite opinion polls suggesting Australians favoured a republic, a 1999 referendum rejected the model chosen by the convention. Conservatives generally support keeping the current flag (with its British insignia), oppose multiculturalism, are reluctant to apologize for the treatment of aboriginals, are dubious about postmodernism, and are proud of the nation's British heritage.[8]
Notes
- ^ Judith Brett (2003). Australian Liberals and the Moral Middle Class: From Alfred Deakin to John Howard. Cambridge U.P. p. 1.
- ^ David Mosler; Robert Catley (1998). America and Americans in Australia. p. 83.
- ^ James Jupp (2004). The English in Australia. p. 172.
- ^ Eric Beecher, ed. (2009). The Best Australian Political Writing 2009. Melbourne Univ. Publishing. p. 236.
{{cite book}}:|author=has generic name (help) - ^ Louise Chappell (2003). Gendering Government: Feminist Engagement With the State in Australia and Canada. UBC Press. p. 54.
- ^ Gail Reekie (1998). Measuring Immorality: Social Inquiry and the Problem of Illegitimacy. Cambridge U.P. p. 63.
- ^ "Pandora Archive". Pandora.nla.gov.au. 23 August 2006. Retrieved 13 May 2011.
- ^ D Dutton (2002). One of Us? A Century of Australian Citizenship. UNSW Press. p. 83.
See also
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