Progressive Conservative Party (Australia)

Summary

The Progressive Conservative Party (PCP) was a far-right Australian political party that contested the 1980 federal election. Its stated aims included the reintroduction of the White Australia Policy, an end to Asian immigration to Australia, the cessation of foreign aid, and higher tax concessions to non-working mothers.[1] Its candidates included the former independent Western Australian senator, Syd Negus.

Progressive Conservative Party
LeaderGordon Hardy
FoundedOctober 1979
Merged intoProgressive Nationalist Party
HeadquartersPerth, Western Australia
IdeologyWhite nationalism
Anti-immigration
Political positionFar-right

The party was established in October 1979 by Gordon Hardy, a Perth company director. Its policies were listed by The Canberra Times as advocating for a national referendum on Asian immigration to Australia, and a 90 percent cut to foreign aid.[2]

In 1981, the PCP merged with the Australian National Alliance and the Immigration Control Association to form the Progressive Nationalist Party, which claimed a membership of 1,000.[3]

Federal parliament edit

House of Representatives
Election year # of
overall votes
% of
overall vote
# of
overall seats won
+/–
1980 3,620 0.04(#10/14)
0 / 150
  0
Senate
Election year # of
overall votes
% of
overall vote
# of
overall seats won
# of
overall seats
+/– Notes
1980 6,247 0.07 (#11/12)
0 / 40
0 / 76
  0

References edit

  1. ^ Jaensch, Dean & Mathieson, David (1998). A plague on both your houses: minor parties in Australia, Allen & Unwin, 115
  2. ^ "New Party". The Canberra Times. 10 October 1979.
  3. ^ Moore, Andrew (1995). The Right Road?: A History of Right-Wing Politics in Australia. Oxford University Press. p. 120. ISBN 019553512X.