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With thirty years as the third political force in Australia the Democrats transformed the Senate into a real chamber of review.
That changed in July 2005 after the Howard Government gained the majority in the Senate and no longer needed support from Labor or the Democrats for its legislation.
Despite losing ‘balance of power’, the Australian Democrats managed to notch up some major wins between July 2005 and September 2007 – on the environment, on women’s health, on accountability and more.
We found ways of bypassing Cabinet’s stranglehold on decision-making. Our work removed Tony Abbott’s veto over RU486 using parliamentary collaboration. It was the first ever private bill sponsored by women across four parties and a rare example of non-government law coming into force. And a big win for women! The non-government bill on stem cells followed – another conscience vote and another Democrats initiative.
As you know, we lost all our Senate seats at the 2007 election and departed the Federal Parliament on June 30, 2008. We are all sad and disappointed, but nonetheless proud of our 30 year history, our longstanding place as the third political force and our substantial record of achievement.
You may also be interested in reading a more detailed history of the Australian Democrats - please see About Us. | 
