See here for our 2022 election platform on the Economy for the future
Policy Objectives:
To ensure government manages the economy equitably, to allow domestic industries and businesses to be competitive and deliver essential services that meet the needs of present and future Australians.
The long-term success of the economy is linked to a growing and well-educated workforce, a balance of both public and private sectors, the availability of capital to fund expansion and access to markets. All of these must be guided by a commitment to ethical standards to ensure profit is not put before people or planet.
We recognise the importance of a strong economy to provide the vital services for the people and a prosperous economy must be one where everyone benefits. A responsible economy supports individuals, families and communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and community health, through accessible social, health and education services.
The Australian Democrats will support legislation that:
- seeks the transition to a sustainable economy in equilibrium with world resources and ecosystems
- ensures the economy responds to the global challenges of climate change
- invests in people as our greatest asset, enabling skills for a lifetime of work and a strong community
- promotes prosperity by maintaining equal rights, fair taxes, fair trade, predictable laws and protection against fraud
- works towards free trade but recognises it must be fair and considers all potential impacts including environment
- reduces the complexity of the taxation system, ensuring it is simplistic, removes inefficiencies and is easy to comply
- supports a taxation system that is broadly based, progressive and based on capacity to pay
- increases infrastructure spending as a foundation for long-term sustainable growth of business, transport, trade and community
- ensures partnership between environment and industry to achieve economic growth, jobs, and a sustainable, clean environment
- ensures the taxation system transforms over time to remain fair and resilient as the workforce and economic environment changes
- authorises public servants/treasury to provide the comprehensive advice needed for properly informed decisions
- helps people by increasing their capacity to achieve self-sufficiency by investing in child care, education, the health care system and social and physical infrastructure
- encourages trade between countries as an important factor in raising living standards, providing employment and ensure economic sustainability
- promotes innovation to create opportunities, solve problems and grow the economy
- ensures the Australian budget is in balance
- recognises the value of unpaid work including raising children and caring for those with injury, illness and disability
- ensures that when considering any policy for economic growth, all facets of the policy are considered for any unintended harm it may cause (e.g. to environment, workforce, other industries, etc), and mitigated
- supports a superannuation system based on compulsory employer and voluntary employee savings as an integral component of retirement income provision
- ensures measures are taken to prevent government exploitation and increase accountability, transparency and inclusiveness
- supports Australian businesses to be competitive in the national and international marketplace
- examines carefully the long term merits and risks of the selling of government assets to private companies
- works towards a taxation system that delivers sufficiency of revenue, fair distribution of wealth, and international and domestic cooperation
These policies were ratified by the members between the 15th – 28th of April, 2019. Australian Democrats policies are always subject to review – our policy volunteers consult with stakeholders outside the party, and members are strongly encouraged to participate by giving feedback at all stages of the policy process. If you have feedback or questions about our policies, contact us.