Differences between PLP and ALP
The PLP has opted for an independent response to the progressing crisis in capitalism and the growing power of transnational corporations. It has developed a public policy program around which alliances with like-minded groups can be assembled into a new political force in Australia. The ALP presided over a whole raft of privatisations when in power (1983 to 1996). Inequality of income and opportunity gradually developed under a federal ALP Government. The ALP's shift to the right has continued since. The socalled revision of policy since 1996 has been a non-event. The PLP is totally opposed to the "two-party tyranny", in reality a de facto one-party system. There is no real opposition anymore! Instead the PLP favours Proportional Representation to bring about a new diversity and freshness to the Australian political system. It also aims at measures to increase the quality of Ministers. The PLP plans to abolish the states which would require a major overhaul of the Constitution. However, as the Constitutional Convention, the Republic debate and Referendum have demonstrated, the ALP, including its left faction, clings to a minimalist change agenda. The PLP has a Maximalist Republic policy which recognises that the advent of a Republic needs to be accompanied by other significant changes. Another major difference is in the area of education which has seen the impact of economic rationalist ALP policies right across the Board paving the way for a gradual shift away from quality public education to private education and a deterioration of the tertiary education sector. Here are some of the PLP policy aims which clearly differ substantially from those of the ALP.
- Elaborate tax reform policy (the PLP favours REPEALING the GST)
- Stop to all privatisation and reverse where possible. Emphasis on public ownership
- Free higher education - return to emphasis on public education
- Effective universal health care system
- Maximalist Republic - Abolish the States
- Comprehensive environment and women's policies
- An end to uranium mining
- Strong support for the rural sector and regional development
- Effective diversity of media ownership plus national newspaper on the lines of ABC
- Different solutions to unemployment (shorter working week/work-sharing, Development Bank)
- Policies which aim at effective distribution of wealth and income
- Total rejection of proposed MAI treaty and WTO aims
- An independent foreign policy
- Repeal of Workplace Relations Act - support for workplace democracy
- Repeal of National Competition Act
- Support for MABO and WIK judgements
- Support for increased expenditure for science and research
- Encouragement for a new industries policy, including protection
- Effective foreign investment guidelines