The Democratic Labor Party is unique amongst Australian political parties. Why? Because our philosophy and activity are based fairly and squarely on the idea that every person, every citizen, every Australian, has an intrinsic dignity and worth.

That means we think politics should serve the dignity of every person.  It means that a person is not just a cog in the economy, or a worker in someone's company, or a client of a government department. A person and their relationships are the starting-point for our thinking about economics, social services and good policy. People should not be slotted into institutions and economic development. Institutions and economics should be tailored to serve individuals and their families.

The old ideas of 'left' and 'right' do not apply to the DLP. The left believes the state is the centre of society, and that people should slot into the programs of well-intentioned bureaucrats and managers.

The right believes that the corporate world is the centre of society, and that the state should help the corporate sector prosper. Both left and right believe in rule by managers. Both distrust civil society. Both ignore the voluntary activity that keeps society ticking. Both believe they know what is best for individuals and families. Both concentrate power in small unrepresentative elites.

People and relationships are the centre of society

The DLP, on the other hand, believes that people and their relationships (in families, neighbourhoods, and voluntary groups) are the centre of society. Families and communities, not big business or big bureaucracy, should be the primary decision-making units. Concentrations of power, in government, business and community affairs, should be broken down. Power should be dispersed as widely as possible.

'Small is beautiful' is one good term to describe this position. 'Decentralist' or 'distributist' is another that was used widely at the time of the DLP's formation in the 1950s, and during the half century of debate that preceded it.

'Life is beautiful' is another good term, probably better, because the whole of life (not just economics, or public decision-making) is our focus. The life of a person with a disability or dementia or a mental illness is  beautiful in our eyes. The life of an unemployed 50 year old man is beautiful. The unpaid life of a stay-at-home mother is beautiful.

Euthanasia and capital punishment run counter to 'life is beautiful'. Ugliness in urban design and blackness in some youth culture runs against our vision. Liberalisation of drug laws and institutionalisation of the elderly conflict with our affirmation of life. Australian suicide rates are a national scandal.

Life is Beautiful

For this reason, we've chosen 'life is beautiful' as the theme of this website. Amidst all the campaigns and elections and meetings that will follow in the years to come, this is our central and unique commitment.

This is why the DLP exists and is growing in 2008.

In this website you will find information on our various campaigns. We are a registered political party, but we are not only interested in parliamentary elections. We are interested in campaigns and initiatives in all spheres of life to uphold the dignity ot the person and to strengthen civil society.

We hope you will become involved in the DLP in whatever way suits your circumstances. Please read on and make your contribution where you can.

You can contact our Secretary Mark Farrell at secretary@dlp.org.au