Political terminology can be confusing. In Australia, "left wing" typically refers to progressive parties and policies. This guide explains what the left wing represents in Australian politics and how it shapes the nation's political landscape.
Australia's progressive politics have helped shape the country's social policies and public institutions
What does "left wing" actually mean?
The term "left wing" originated during the French Revolution when opponents of the monarchy sat on the left side of the assembly. In modern Australian politics, it refers to parties and individuals who generally favor:
- Greater economic equality and wealth redistribution
- Strong public services and welfare systems
- Workers' rights and union representation
- Environmental protection and climate action
- Social justice and progressive social policy
Australian left-wing politics is typically characterized by a pragmatic approach that balances progressive ideals with practical governance, particularly in the case of the Labor Party.
Core principles of the Australian left
- Support for a mixed economy with strong public services
- Progressive taxation and wealth redistribution measures
- Workers' rights, fair wages and collective bargaining
- Environmental protection and climate action
- Social inclusion, multiculturalism and equality
- Indigenous rights and reconciliation
Major parties on the Australian left
Australia's progressive spectrum includes the Australian Labor Party (ALP) in the centre-left mainstream and The Greens further to the left. Smaller progressive parties and independent MPs also play important roles, particularly in the Senate.
Labor and The Greens
Founded in 1891, the Australian Labor Party is Australia's oldest political party, with roots in the union movement. It generally promotes a social democratic platform balancing progressive social policy with pragmatic economic management.
The Australian Greens formed in 1992 and advocate for stronger environmental protection, social justice, peace and non-violence, and participatory democracy. They typically take more progressive positions than Labor on many issues.
Brief history of left-wing politics in Australia
Progressive politics in Australia has a rich history dating back to the labor movement of the late 19th century. The Australian Labor Party, formed in 1891, is one of the oldest labor parties in the world and has shaped many aspects of Australian society.
Key left-wing prime ministers have included John Curtin, Ben Chifley, Gough Whitlam, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating, Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard, and Anthony Albanese. Each has shaped progressive politics with varying emphasis on workers' rights, social reform, economic management, and international relations.
Some landmark progressive achievements include Medicare (universal healthcare), superannuation, native title recognition, marriage equality, and various social welfare programs. Read more about Australia's political party history in our comprehensive guide.
How left-wing ideology shapes Australian policy
Progressive governments tend to prioritize public investment in health, education, and social services. They typically support stronger environmental regulations, workers' protections, and social equality measures. However, Australia's political system often requires compromise, especially in the Senate where minor parties and independents hold significant power.
Economic policies
Left-wing economic policies in Australia typically include:
- Progressive taxation where higher income earners pay proportionally more
- Strong public investment in health, education and infrastructure
- Support for industrial awards and enterprise bargaining
- Active industry policy to support jobs and growth
- Renewable energy development and just transition policies
- National economic management with an emphasis on full employment
Australia's left-wing parties have moved toward economic pragmatism in recent decades, particularly since the Hawke-Keating reforms of the 1980s and 1990s which liberalized many aspects of the Australian economy while maintaining strong social protections.
Social policies
On social issues, left-wing parties in Australia often advocate for:
- Universal healthcare and education
- Multiculturalism and inclusive immigration policies
- Indigenous rights, reconciliation and closing the gap
- Gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights
- Disability support and inclusion
- Secular government and personal freedoms
For more on how these values compare with the right wing, see our article on right-wing politics in Australia.
The Australian political spectrum in context
Australia's political spectrum features considerable overlap between the major parties, especially in economic policy. The ALP has moved toward the center on economic issues since the 1980s while maintaining progressive social policies. Similarly, the Liberal Party has occasionally adopted policies that might be considered left-leaning in other countries.
The Greens occupy the progressive position on Australia's left, advocating for more ambitious climate action, social justice measures, and economic reforms than the ALP. This creates a dynamic where the ALP must balance appealing to progressive and moderate voters.
Key progressive achievements in Australian history
Australia's progressive movements and parties have been responsible for many significant reforms:
- Early adoption of women's suffrage (1902 federally)
- Introduction of old-age and invalid pensions (1908-1910)
- Medibank/Medicare universal healthcare system (1975/1984)
- Floating the dollar and financial deregulation (1983)
- Native Title recognition following Mabo decision (1993)
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (2013)
- Marriage equality legislation (2017)
These achievements demonstrate the lasting impact of progressive politics on Australia's social fabric and institutional arrangements.
Left-wing media in Australia
Several media outlets in Australia are considered left-leaning or progressive in their editorial stance:
- The Guardian Australia
- The Saturday Paper
- Crikey
- The Monthly
- New Matilda
- Parts of the ABC (though officially politically neutral)
These outlets often provide platforms for progressive viewpoints and may be more critical of conservative policies. For a broader view of media options, check our guide to Australian political news sources.
Progressive think tanks and advocacy groups
Several policy institutes and think tanks advance left-wing positions in Australian policy debates:
- The Australia Institute
- Per Capita
- The McKell Institute
- The Grattan Institute (non-partisan but often progressive on social policy)
- GetUp! (progressive campaigning organization)
These organizations produce research, commentary, and policy recommendations that often inform progressive political positions and public debate.
Why understanding the left matters for voters
Understanding progressive politics helps voters evaluate party platforms and policy proposals. It provides context for debates around taxation, public services, welfare, climate action, and social policy.
When election time comes, knowing where parties sit on the spectrum helps you decide which vision for Australia aligns with your own values and priorities.
To better understand where your own views fit on the political spectrum, try our Australian Political Compass quiz.
How Australia's left compares internationally
Australia's progressive politics have some distinctive characteristics compared to other countries:
- The ALP is generally more centrist than many European social democratic parties
- Australian progressives have historically embraced economic pragmatism alongside social reform
- Environmental politics plays a significant role due to Australia's unique ecosystems and climate vulnerability
- Indigenous rights and reconciliation form a central part of progressive politics in Australia
These international comparisons help explain the distinctive character of Australia's left-wing politics and how it fits within the global progressive movement.
First published 14 June 2025. Information may change as parties update their platforms. Last updated: 15 June 2025.