Liberty and Democracy Party

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Liberty & Democracy Party
Liberty & Democracy Party Logo
Leader Peter Whelan
Founded 2001
Office PO Box 773
Dickson ACT 2602
Political Ideology Libertarianism,
Classical liberalism
Website www.ldp.org.au

The Liberty & Democracy Party (LDP) is a moderate libertarian or classical liberal Australian political party founded in 2001.

The party was formerly known as the Liberal Democratic Party but changed its name in 2007 to avoid legal action being taken by the Liberal Party on account of the perceived similarity in names.[1] However, the party is still registered under its former name in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).[2]

The LDP contested their first federal election in November 2007, with 47 Lower House candidates and Senate candidates in all states as well as the ACT.[3] It secured 0.13% of the vote in the Senate.

Contents

[edit] Philosophy

The party generally adheres to libertarian and classical liberal principles, with a low tax laissez-faire approach to economics and a high regard for individual freedom and responsibility.[4]

[edit] Policies

LDP policies include:[5]

  • Legalisation of euthanasia;
  • Significantly reduced tax rates and government spending;
  • Re-legalisation of marijuana;
  • Support of shooters' rights;
  • Support of voluntary voting;
  • Support for an immigration tariff
  • Opposition to corporate welfare;
  • Support of competitive federalism and political decentralisation;
  • Support of free trade;
  • Support of gay marriage; and
  • Support of property owners' rights with regards to all matters including smoking.

[edit] History

  • 2001: Liberal Democratic Party founded by John Humphreys.
  • 2001: Contests the 2001 ACT election, receiving 1% of the vote.[6]
  • 2004: Contests the 2004 ACT election, receiving 1.3% of the vote.[7]
  • 2005: David McAlary becomes party president.
  • 2007: Holds first national conference.[8]
  • 2007: Registers federally, changing its name to "Liberty and Democracy Party" to meet electoral commission requirements.[9][10]
  • 2007: Contests first federal election.
  • 2008: Peter Whelan becomes party president.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The official blog of the “Liberty & Democracy Party”. Liberty & Democracy Party (2007-07-31). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  2. ^ Register of political parties. ACT Electoral Commission (2007-10-15). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  3. ^ LDP Candidates 2007. Liberty & Democracy Party. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  4. ^ Liberty & Democracy Party Principles. Liberty & Democracy Party. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  5. ^ LDP Federal Policies. Liberty & Democracy Party. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  6. ^ 2001 Election - First Preference Results. ACT Electoral Commission (2005-03-08). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  7. ^ 2004 Election - First Preference Results. ACT Electoral Commission (2005-02-01). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  8. ^ Delegates at the first Annual LDP Conference. Liberty & Democracy Party. Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  9. ^ Party Registration decision: Liberty and Democracy Party. Australian Electoral Commission (2007-10-03). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.
  10. ^ catallaxy. Jason Soon (2007-08-01). Retrieved on 2007-11-24.

[edit] External links