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Socialist Alliance Policies
There are alliances of socialists working together around the world. However, the Australian Socialist Alliance is a political party that stands for a democratic society run by and for working people, not the greedy, destructive capitalist elite that now rules. Their catch-cry is “We put people and the planet before profit, the millions before the billionaires”.
Since 2001, members of the Australian Socialist Alliance have been active in campaigns for workers’ rights, for women’s rights and environmental protection.
What does the Socialist Alliance party Stand for?
They campaign for civil liberties, justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, for refugees and against racism, for the rights of gays, lesbians, trans and intersex people, for equal marriage rights, and for international solidarity with the oppressed. Australian Socialist Alliance members are leaders in many of these movements.
Australian Socialist Alliance emphasises international solidarity with socialist and progressive movements around the world. It opposes imperialism, war, and militarism, and supports struggles for self-determination, democracy, and social justice globally. Supporting global socialism is crucial to Socialist Alliance.
Democratic Socialist Party (Australia)
The Democratic Socialist Perspective (DSP) was an Australian socialist political group. The DSP was founded in 1972 as the Socialist Workers League. It then changed its name to the Socialist Workers Party (SWP) a few years later. In the early 1990s it was once again renamed, as the Democratic Socialist Party, and in 2003 it became the Democratic Socialist Perspective.
The DSP worked as the largest part of a broad-left socialist formation, until 2010, when its members voted with a number of other socialist organisations to merge into Socialist Alliance.
Socialist Alliance Leadership
Socialist Alliance is made up of people who, like millions of others, are sick of being ruled by the warmongers, racists, union-bashers, and capitalist politicians. Many of these individuals find a political home in the Australian Socialist Alliance.
Engaging in a combination of grassroots activism and electoral politics, Socialist Alliance currently has four elected officeholders across Australia, all of whom serve on the local government level.
They are councillors Sarah Hathway (City of Greater Geelong) and Sue Bolton (City of Merri-bek). Sam Wainwright served as a Socialist Alliance councillor on the City of Fremantle until 2021.
Socialist Alliance Candidates
Socialist Alliance has fielded candidates in federal, state, and local elections across Australia. Some notable examples include:
Federal Elections
- Sam Wainwright (Fremantle, WA – 2022)
- Susan Price (Sydney seats, multiple elections)
- Andrew Charles (Melbourne seats, 2010s)
- Jonathan Strauss (Queensland Senate, 2025)
State Elections
- Sue Bolton (Victoria, Northern Metro – 2022, 2018)
- Kamala Emanuel (NSW, Newtown – 2015)
- Shua Garfield (WA, South Metropolitan – 2021)
Local Government
- Sue Bolton (Moreland City Council, Vic – elected 2012, re-elected multiple times.
- Sam Wainwright (Fremantle Council, WA – previously elected)
- Jacob Andrewartha (Hobart City Council, Tas – 2018)
The Alliance often runs in working-class and progressive urban electorates. While rarely winning seats, they use campaigns to promote socialist policies (e.g., public housing, climate action, workers’ rights). However, some members, like Sue Bolton, have been elected to local councils.
Regarding office bearers, the organisation’s recent co-convenors were Jacob Andrewartha, Sue Bull, and Sam Wainwright.
Green Left News
Socialist Alliance supports the independent progressive newspaper, Green Left.
GL covers the issues and campaigns that Socialist Alliance members are involved in. This support is a key initiative of the Australian Socialist Alliance.
Green Left (GL) is widely recognised (within and beyond Australia) as one of the most authoritative left-wing weekly English-language sources of news and political analysis.
GL carries weekly news and analysis and is essential reading for members and activists engaged in broad left and green debate and discussion across Australia and internationally. Australian Socialist Alliance Members are encouraged to help distribute Green Left and sell subscriptions.
Socialist Alliance Branches
Socialist Alliance promotes socialist policies and aims to address issues like inequality, environmental sustainability, and workers’ rights. The party operates through various branches and local groups that help organise and mobilise support for its initiatives. These branches form the backbone of the Australian Socialist Alliance.
Each branch functions somewhat independently but adheres to the core principles and policies of the national party. If you’re looking for specific branches or contact information, it’s usually best to visit the Socialist Alliance website or contact their national office directly for the most up-to-date details. They often have information on local branches, upcoming events, and ways to get involved with the Australian Socialist Alliance.
Socialist Parties Australia
In Australia, several political parties identify with socialist principles. They include:
Socialist Alliance – A more explicitly socialist party, the Socialist Alliance promotes a range of leftist policies, including workers’ rights, environmental justice, and anti-capitalism.
Socialist Alternative – This party aims to promote a democratic socialist agenda and focuses on social and economic equality.
Victorian Socialists – VS also promotes a socialist agenda and focuses on social and economic equality and sustainability.
Communist Party of Australia (CPA) – Although much smaller than it once was, the CPA advocates for Marxist-Leninist principles and has been part of the socialist movement in Australia.
Leftists within the Greens – The Australian Greens have a faction that aligns with socialist principles, focusing on social justice, environmental issues, and anti-capitalist rhetoric.
These parties vary in their ideologies, strategies, and levels of influence within the Australian political landscape.
Socialist Alliance vs Socialist Alternative
The key differences between these parties are:
- Electoral Strategy: Socialist Alliance participates in elections as a registered party, while Socialist Alternative focuses more on activism and direct action.
- Ideological Approach: Socialist Alliance promotes a democratic socialist framework, while Socialist Alternative leans towards a more revolutionary and Trotskyist ideology.
Both organisations contribute to the broader socialist movement in Australia but cater to different segments of the left.
Socialist Alliance vs Victorian Socialists
Victorian Socialists and the Australian Socialist Alliance are two distinct leftist political parties. The key differences between then are the Victorian Socialists specifically targets the state of Victoria, while Socialist Alliance operates nationally across Australia. They were formed in different contexts and have different historical backgrounds, influencing their strategies and organisational structures. However, there are signs of unity behind a new electoral popular front – Socialists Australia.
The Socialists Australia
Both engage in electoral politics, but Victorian Socialists maintained a more localised focus compared to the broader national perspective of Australian Socialist Alliance. However, this Victorian focus has changed in recent years with branches being launched in states across the nation, including Queensland Socialists. This is done with the aim of running candidates to increase the socialist vote.
Is Australia Socialist or Capitalist
Australia is a capitalist country with a mixed economy, meaning it combines elements of both capitalism and socialism. Here’s a breakdown:
- Private Ownership: Most businesses are privately owned, and the market operates on supply and demand.
- Global Trade: Australia is deeply integrated into the global capitalist system, with major exports like minerals, agriculture, and services.
- Strong Welfare State: Australia has universal healthcare (Medicare), unemployment benefits, and public education.
- Government Regulation: Certain industries (like utilities and transport) have government involvement or oversight.
- Progressive Taxation: Higher earners pay a larger share of taxes to fund social programs.
Australia is primarily capitalist but incorporates socialist-leaning policies to ensure social welfare and reduce inequality. It’s best described as a social democracy (like Canada or the Nordic countries), where a free-market economy coexists with robust public services.
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