HASS09 C&C - The Australian Political System: Political Parties

A political party is an organisation that represents a particular group of people or set of ideas. It aims to have members elected to Parliament so their ideas can affect the way Australia is governed.

The Nationals, also called (1982–2006) National Party of Australia or (1975–82) National Country Party of Australia or (1920–75) Australian Country Party, Australian political party that for most of its history has held office as a result of its customary alliance with the Liberal Party of Australia.

The Greens, Australian environmentalist political party founded in 1992. It had its origins in the United Tasmania Group (UTG), one of the world’s first Green political parties.

An independent is a member of the Australian Parliament who does not belong to a political party. This fact sheet explores their role, how they can vote in the Parliament and where they sit.