Australian Democrats

The Australian Democrats (in regular parlance, just the Democrats), is an Australian social liberal party formed in 1977 from the earlier Australia Party by Don Chipp, who left the Liberal Party of Australia to do so. His stated aim was to "Keep the Bastards Honest" (the "bastards" being politicians in general). Despite its name (and the name of the rival and conservative Liberal Party of Australia), the Australian Democrats can be considered the counterpart of European liberal parties. After a poor performance at the 2004 federal election, the Australian Democrats' future as a political force is in question.

Leadership

The Democrats are notable for their willingness to elect female and Aboriginal parliamentary leadership. Of the party's ten leaders, six have been women. Aboriginal Senator Aden Ridgeway was deputy leader under Natasha Stott Despoja.

Related Topics:
Aboriginal - Aden Ridgeway

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The leaders of the Australian Democrats have been:

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• Don Chipp (1977-1986)
• Janine Haines (1986-1990)
• Janet Powell (1990-91)
• John Coulter (1991-93)
• Cheryl Kernot (1993-97)
• Meg Lees (1997-2001)
• Natasha Stott Despoja (6 April 2001 to 21 August 2002)
• Brian Greig (2002)
• Andrew Bartlett (2002-2004)
• Lyn Allison (2004-present)

Andrew Bartlett is currently deputy leader.

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