LDP Health Policy

Financial members of the LDP have been sent an email with a link to a draft health policy. Recipients are invited to log in and contribute to the development of the policy.

I will monitor progress and edit out any contributions that are inconsistent with the party’s principles (see these at www.ldp.org.au), but otherwise there are no limitations. This is an experiment. If it works, we’ll do it again.

Any financial member who has not received the email and wishes to participate should contact me (treasurer@ldp.org.au)

I will also set up viewing rights to others who are interested and contact me.

Immigration Policy

The LDP’s policy on immigration was posted on the website a couple of months ago. However, the issues of citizenship tests and waiting periods for citizenship subsequently became mainstream and it is possible the policy requires a rethink to maintain our differentiation. Comments are invited.

The Liberal Democratic Party accepts that the setting of immigration levels is a valid government function provided it is undertaken on economic grounds, in a manner comparable to the Reserve Bank’s role in setting interest rates and independently of political considerations.

The LDP proposes to establish a mechanism for setting immigration levels with the objective of promoting short and medium term economic growth. The levels may be amended from time to time but only in response to changes in economic circumstances. They would not be varied without good cause and never in reaction to political opportunism or the electoral cycle.

Read the whole policy at:

http://www.ldp.org.au/federal/policies/immigration.html

Global warming policy

I introduce this policy because while it is quite controversial I think it is an important area where the LDP can make a stand. Global warming is happening and could potentially become one of the most important challenges of this century, but I (and the party) continues to doubt the usefullness of Kyoto or other similar policy options being proposed to reverse climate change.

It is important for us to retain our intellectual credibility and therefore it is vital that we approach this issue carefully and without over-statement. But as a point of clear differentiation between ourselves and other parties it is an issue that we should not shy away from. I am particularly hopefull that the resident libertarian AGW-blog-campaigner Terje will be able to caste his astute eye over our policy.

LDP Status

Here is an update on LDP progress for members and supporters.

The party almost has the required number of members to obtain federal registration. Officially we need 500 but more than that would be a good idea to allow for those who have moved or forgot they joined.

The Australian Electoral Commission is in the process of re-registering existing small parties and will not accept new applications until late this year. With the recruitment activities planned, the target numbers will be easily achieved by the time new applications are accepted.

The first ever national conference of the party will be held in early January in Canberra. All members are entitled to attend, with financial members voting to elect the executive. Most members have been advised by mail, but further notices will be sent.

Work is continuing on policy development, focusing particularly on issues that are expected to be of interest in the federal election. As policies are completed, they are posted on the website. Currently there are policies on immigration, gay rights, smoking, trade, victimless crimes, taxation, firearms, property rights and energy.

A health policy is under development although this is a difficult area and any member with expertise in this area would be welcome to help.

The party does not have an office so there is no telephone number. However, emails can be sent to info@ldp.org.au and will reach the right person.

LDP Smoking policy

This is the LDP policy towards smoking. For discussion & debate…

Welcome to the LDP blog

Welcome to the LDP blog — the official blog of the Liberal Democratic Party. This blog is for discussion, debate and commentary about the LDP activities and policies.

If you’re not sure about which party in Australia to support, try the Australian Political Quiz.