You can thank the Democrats for that.
A Brief Timeline
1977- 81
Australian Democrats transformed rubber stamp senate into a vibrant house of review.
1982
Australian Democrats drafted first legislation ever to protect Australia’s rainforests.
1984
Australian Democrats campaigned for an end to joint American military bases.
1984
Campaigned for exclusion of nuclear warships and weapons from “Pacific Zone of Peace”.
1985
Introduced legislation prohibiting mining and drilling in the Great Barrier Reef.
1985
Campaigned to require approval of both houses of parliament for troop deployments.
1986
Australian Democrats blocked the amalgamation of the ABC and SBS.
1986
Australian Democrats fought to prevent uranium mining at Kakadu.
1988
Australian Democrats blocked timed local calls by Telecom.
1990
Australian Democrats were the lone voice of opposition in parliament to the first Gulf War.
1990
Australian Democrats called for matters of war to be decided by parliament.
1992
The only parliamentary party to oppose the government’s mandatory detention policy.
1996
Introduced a bill to end discrimination on the basis of sexuality.
1997
The first parliamentary party to apologise to the Stolen Generations.
1999
Forced ammendments to make the GST fair and not payable on most food items.
2001
Australian Democrats won tax deductions for land conservation.
2001
Australian Democrats initiated inquiries into Australia’s response to greenhouse and water issues.
2002
Australian Democrats initiated inquiries into children in institutions.
2004
Australian Democrats initiated inquiries into student incomes.
2004
Discrimination ends against same-sex couples in non-public service superannuation.
2006
Pro morning after pill (RU486) and pro stem cell legislation passed.
2007
Local calls and low-cost Internet connections won for people in remote areas.
2007
Second attempt to introduce Australia Card abandoned thanks to Australian Democrats pressure.
