Australian Democrats Speeches
Reclaim the Centre - Darren Churchill
A speech by Darren Churchill, National President of the Australian Democrats, addressing the party's National Conference in Melbourne, 28th January 2012.
Thank you to our acting Secretary Roger Howe, and welcome everyone to the 2012 Australian Democrats' National Conference. I'd like to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land, on which we meet, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We gather here only two days after the celebrations known officially as Australia Day. However, for many Indigenous people, that day marks over two centuries of hurt and injustice. I look forward to the day when we can all share in a time of true reconciliation.
Thank you to all members and delegates who are here at our National Conference. This is our first conference for some years and the first without having Senators or other members of parliament. However, this conference marks our entry into our 35th year as a political party. So, let's use it to re-energise, and commence the road back into the hearts and minds of the Australian voters ... Read more (pdf).
Visit our Speeches Archive (to August 2008).
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The Poor Will Be With Us Always? - 10/05/12
Still The Lucky Country? - 11/04/12
Australian Capital Territory: Sad Day For Canberra Football, Say Democrats - 04/04/12
New National And Rational Debate On Drug Laws? Count The Democrats In! - 03/04/12
Western Australia: Foetal Homicide Laws The Real Danger To Wa Women - 02/03/12
RSS News Feeds
Getting Ready for Peak Oil
A society where the average family can no longer afford to run a car except on special occasions? An economy where we queue to purchase some of the goods we currently buy without restriction? With the consequences of 'peak oil' - and no government plans for a response - such scenarios could be a mere ten years away ... Read more.
Towards a Sustainable Population
We can meet our international obligations and move towards achieving environmentally sustainable population levels by substantially reducing the numbers entering Australia through our business migration scheme and doubling the numbers in our humanitarian intake ... ... Read more.
Compassion for Refugees
The Australian Democrats support a non-discriminatory immigration program that gives priority to refugees and family reunion applicants. We believe everyone has a moral responsibility, and the Government as our representative, also have a duty under international law, to provide haven for refugees ... Read more.
Facing Up To Bullying
The Australian Democrats are committed to ensuring fairness, equality and tolerance in our society and so the insidious rise of bullying must come under the microscope. Former Australian Democrats Parliamentary Leader, Lyn Allison, negotiated a National Safe Schools Framework which can in part address the issue ... Read more.
Aboriginal equality - now
The Howard Government's NT Intervention, expanded by Labor, has been a predictable failure. Child malnutrition rates are up, as are alcohol, substance abuse and drug related incidents. Domestic violence, assault reportage and convictions and reports of child abuse, attempted suicide and self harm have all increased. Read our action plan.
Youth Poll is Back!
The Australian Democrats have re-launched our national Youth Poll, after an absence of over three years because we know the wide range of attitudes of young people matter ... Read more.
Do you want a fair go for everyone?
If you believe Australia needs a genuinely independent political force at all levels of government advocating for solutions based on compassion, fairness, justice and equality, join us. You can make a difference.
30 Years of the Australian Democrats
A fascinating insight into the people, the victories and battles the party faced and the people who fought them. Just $13 including postage.