Australian Labor Party

Overview

The Australian Labor Party, known as the ALP or simply Labor, is one of Australia's two major parties and the main force on the centre-left. It grew out of the labour and trade union movement and supports an active government role in the economy, a strong social safety net, and workers' rights. It won a large second-term majority at the 2025 federal election under Anthony Albanese.

Labor is one of the oldest political parties in Australia and has alternated in government with the Liberal-National Coalition for more than a century.

History

Labor formed in the 1890s out of the trade union movement and first held federal office in the early years of the Commonwealth after 1901. It built much of Australia's welfare state and, under Gough Whitlam in the 1970s, introduced universal healthcare and expanded higher education.

Under Bob Hawke and Paul Keating in the 1980s and 1990s the party modernised the economy while keeping a strong social agenda. After a period in opposition, Labor returned to power in 2022 under Anthony Albanese and then won a commanding second-term majority in 2025.

Economic Policy

Labor supports a market economy guided by an active government. It favours investment in health, education, and clean energy, stronger workers' rights and wage growth, and a role for government in easing the cost of living. It created and defends Medicare, Australia's universal health system, and supports the superannuation retirement savings scheme.

Social Policy

The party is broadly progressive. It supports action on climate change, reconciliation with Indigenous Australians, LGBT equality, and multicultural immigration. It generally takes a more liberal position than the Coalition on social and environmental questions while managing a range of views within its own ranks.

Foreign Policy

Labor supports the alliance with the United States, including the AUKUS defence partnership, while seeking stable relations with China and closer engagement with Pacific and Southeast Asian neighbours. It emphasises regional diplomacy alongside a strong defence.

Where They Stand

• Supports a market economy with active government investment
• Created and defends Medicare, the universal health system
• Backs stronger workers' rights and wage growth
• Supports climate action and investment in clean energy
• Favours reconciliation with Indigenous Australians
• Supports the US alliance and AUKUS while engaging the region

Electoral Record

Labor has formed many federal governments since Federation. It returned to power in 2022 and won a large second-term majority in 2025, one of its strongest results, as the Coalition suffered heavy losses.

Position on the Political Compass

Australian Labor Party sits on the left-leaning side on economics and is moderate on questions of social freedom and authority.

These positions are approximate and meant as a guide. Take the test to see how your own views compare.

Key Figures

Sources and Further Reading

• Australian Labor Party (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org
• Official party websitealp.org.au
• 2025 Australian federal election (Wikipedia)en.wikipedia.org

Other Australia Parties