Australia Party

The Australia Party grew out of the Liberal Reform movement, a group with the prime aim of reforming the Liberal Party and especially its policy on Vietnam. The name Australia Party was taken in 1969 and in 1969-70 it had a representative in the Senate in Tasmanian, Senator Turnbull. Party members sought to operate a system of participatory democracy within the party while some demanded a more formal, bureaucratic organization. A compromise retained the emphasis on participation by the membership in all levels of decision and policy making. The party was seen variously as a new radical movement, and as an alternative to the Liberal Party. In 1977, the majority of Australia Party branches and members joined with the New Liberal Movement and Don Chipp in the formation of the Australian Democrats.

The Liberal Reform Movement began in 1966 and developed as The Australia Party by 1969. Gordon Barton was National Convenor of the Party until 1974 and David Sutherland was National Administrator, 1974-1975.