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The Australian Democrats have a proud record of being the people’s watchdog in the Senate and we are different from the other minor parties to the extent we are not bankrolled by a dominant powerful vested interest. While the other parties represent defined constituencies – be it business or unions or the environmentalists or the christian right – we speak for everyone and anyone who needs a voice.

We see issues such as protection of the environment, more urgent action on climate change, protection of water resources, affordable health and education and the struggle by ordinary Australians to pay bills as central.

We stand against the exploitation and marginalisation of Australia’s Indigenous people. We fight discrimination and bigotry and have recently introduced a private members bill to end the financial discrimination faced by same sex couples.

In addition, the Democrats have often been led by women, the only federal political party in Australia to do so, and as a result we fight passionately for issues which are often ignored by male politicians – paid maternity leave, campaigns against the sexualisation of children in the media, affordable child care, reproductive health, etc.

With each of the parties pitted against each other along ideological fault lines, there is an urgent need for a moderate, balancing voice which fights for laws based on justice and fairness and which is not a mouthpiece for powerful elites.

That is the role of the Democrats.

Why “Dinkum Democrats?”  Dinkum is a traditional Australian expression, usually expressed as “Fair Dinkum” that essentially means “  true, real, genuine.  For example ; “is he fair dinkum?”  The Australian Democrats are a uniquely Australian political party that from the outset have recognised the need for truth as a genuine pillar of our democratic system and that it is often the first victim with most political parties and public discussions.  Throughout our history, spanning back to the nineteen seventies, we have done our utmost to explore the truth – no matter how uncomfortable it may be.  Within the Australian Democrats, and our party constitution, we recognize and encourage a wide range of views from our members and the community at large.  This blog is the Victorian divisions expression of our principles as they relate to past, present and future events, issues, discussions and debates in the wider Australian and International political, social, economic, justice and environmental spheres, and indeed all issues of concern to Victorians and the Australian community.

For more information, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.