Difference between revisions of "National Party of Australia"
Peter Ellis (talk | contribs) (Establishing page) |
Peter Ellis (talk | contribs) (fixes) |
||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
| − | The party was formally launched in [[1913]] in [[Western Australia]], and grew into a federal party in the 1920s with the addition of various state-based parties. | + | The party was formally launched in [[1913]] in [[Western Australia]], and grew into a federal party in the 1920s with the addition of various state-based minor parties. |
| − | The main | + | The main traditional base is among rural voters, and it was originally called the '''Country Party'''. It adopted the name '''National Country Party''' in 1975, and changed to '''National Party of Australia''' in 1982. From 2003 the name '''The Nationals''' was used for campaigning purposes, in line with common usage, although the legal name was unchanged. |
==Coalition== | ==Coalition== | ||
Revision as of 00:43, December 28, 2007
The National Party of Australia is a political party in Australia, with wide national appeal, and is generally considered the 3rd largest party by popular vote. It is considered to have conservative values and policies.
History
The party was formally launched in 1913 in Western Australia, and grew into a federal party in the 1920s with the addition of various state-based minor parties.
The main traditional base is among rural voters, and it was originally called the Country Party. It adopted the name National Country Party in 1975, and changed to National Party of Australia in 1982. From 2003 the name The Nationals was used for campaigning purposes, in line with common usage, although the legal name was unchanged.
Coalition
Federally, in New South Wales and Victoria, it has generally been the minor party in the traditional coalition with the Liberal Party of Australia in government and in opposition since the 1940s. However, it was the major coalition party in government in Queensland between 1957 and 1989, and still retains more seats the Liberals.
The division of Ministers or Shadow Ministers is divided generally according to the proportion of seats retained by each party. In most cases, the leader of the 'junior' party is given the role of Deputy Leader of the coalition. Combined party meetings are held, to discuss policies, as well as single Party meetings.
Various agreements have been worked out between the coalition partners as to non-aggression in elections; generally, where parties may draw votes away from the other to the combined detriment then the less favoured coalition party will not stand a candidate.