Progressive Labour Party
What We Stand For

Official PLP policy adopted unanimously at the 1999 Annual Conference

The purpose of this statement ‘What We Stand For’ is to establish the political and social principles which will inform and guide the Progressive Labour Party and its members in their work, and to inform alliance partners of our basic principles.

The Progressive Labour Party aspires to be a party which is based on the working class in all its diversity and which encompasses as broad a section of the community as possible. It will be union and award supportive and will be broadly left in its membership.

Its programs will reflect the aim of creating a sustainable, inclusive and just society, and will recognise that this can be best achieved by the development of policies that are democratic and egalitarian, and practices that promote fairness and equality for all. This is in line with the determination of many generations of people in all countries.

Our core principles are:

• Socialist democracy;
• Opposition to “economic rationalism”;
• The irreversible right of everyone to quality health, education, housing and welfare as a right, not a privilege;
• Protection of the environment;
• Solidarity with working class and poor people around the globe;
• Recognition of self-determination of indigenous peoples;
• Affirmative action for oppressed people to ensure equality and full participation in society;
• Opposition to sexism, racism, homophobia, ageism, and oppression of people with disabilities.

The PLP stands candidates in elections and aspires to be represented at the federal, state and local level.

The PLP also aims to be as active as possible in campaigning in the interests of oppressed people and building workplace and community activism to promote a more democratic and equitable society.