What are the major ideological differences between the Liberal-National Coalition and Labor?

The Liberal-National Coalition generally supports free markets, lower taxes, smaller government, and traditional social values. They favor business interests and individual economic freedom. The Australian Labor Party typically supports stronger government intervention in the economy, progressive taxation, stronger labor unions, and more expansive social services and welfare provisions.

Where can I find the official policy platforms for both parties?

You can find the Liberal Party's official policies on their website at liberal.org.au. Labor's official policies can be found at alp.org.au. Both parties also release detailed policy documents, costings, and fact sheets during election campaigns.

How current is this policy comparison?

This comparison is current as of April 2025, based on officially announced policies for the 2025 Australian Federal Election. Policies may evolve during campaigns, so we recommend checking the parties' official platforms for the most up-to-date information.

Do these parties' positions evolve over time?

Yes, both parties' policy positions can evolve over time in response to changing economic conditions, social attitudes, and global events. While core values tend to remain consistent, specific policy approaches may change between elections.

Are there other parties I should consider beyond Liberal and Labor?

Australia has several other significant political parties including the Greens, One Nation, United Australia Party, and various independents. In the 2022 election, Australia saw the rise of 'teal independents' who won several formerly safe Liberal seats. For a broader understanding of the political landscape, research these additional options.

2025 Australian Federal Election

Policy Comparison:
Liberal vs Labor

Name: 2025 Australian Federal Election
Start: 2025-05-03
Location: Australia

A comprehensive analysis of the major parties' policy positions for the 2025 federal election.

Economy & Cost of Living

The economic policies of the major parties reflect their different philosophies on taxation, government spending, and the role of the state in managing the economy.

Liberal-National Coalition Approach

The Coalition's economic platform centers on lower taxes, reduced government spending, and support for business growth.

Tax Relief: One-off Cost-of-Living Tax Offset of up to $1,200 for individuals earning up to $144,000
Fuel Costs: Cut fuel excise by 25 cents per liter for 12 months (saving approximately $750 per vehicle owner per year)
Small Business: Reinstate $30,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses permanently
Spending Cuts: Promise to cut $100 billion from Labor's spending measures

Australian Labor Party Approach

Labor's economic agenda focuses on targeted tax relief for lower and middle-income earners, investment in renewable energy, and support for local manufacturing.

Income Tax: Tax cuts to lower income thresholds: reduce rate from 16% to 15% (mid-2026) and then to 14% (2027)
Work Expenses: $1,000 tax deduction for workplace expenses on annual tax return without documentation
Energy Relief: Additional $150 energy bill relief for all households and 1 million small businesses
Local Manufacturing: Investment in local manufacturing through Future Made in Australia Act

Key Election Issues

The 2025 election comes amid rising cost of living pressures, with both major parties offering different approaches to tackling inflation and economic growth. The Coalition emphasizes immediate tax relief and spending cuts, while Labor focuses on targeted relief and strategic investments.

Detailed Policy Comparison

Policy Area	Liberal-National Coalition	Australian Labor Party
Tax Relief	One-off Cost-of-Living Tax Offset of up to $1,200 for individuals earning up to $144,000 Cut fuel excise by 25 cents per liter for 12 months No changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax Abolish Labor's superannuation tax	Tax cuts to lower income thresholds: reduce rate from 16% to 15% (mid-2026) and then to 14% (2027) $1,000 tax deduction for workplace expenses on annual tax return without documentation Maintain Stage 3 tax cuts in modified form
Government Spending	Cut $100 billion from Labor's spending measures Reduce public service in Canberra through attrition and voluntary redundancies Establish Future Generations Fund using 80% of commodity windfalls to pay down debt Establish Regional Australia Future Fund for infrastructure	Additional $150 energy bill relief for households and small businesses Continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure Investment in local manufacturing through Future Made in Australia Act Expansion of the Housing Australia Future Fund
Small Business	Permanent $30,000 instant asset write-off for small businesses Two-year deduction of up to $20,000 for business-related meal expenses $12,000 in support for small businesses hiring new apprentices or trainees Target of 400,000 apprentices and trainees in training	$150 direct energy bill relief for around one million small businesses Support for small businesses through renewable energy and manufacturing investments Current instant asset write-off threshold of $20,000 expires June 2025
Industrial Relations	Reinstate industrial watchdog New anti-racketeering laws De-register the CFMEU Return to individual employment agreements	Support for multi-employer bargaining Maintain current industrial relations reforms including 'same job, same pay' regulations Stronger protections for gig economy workers