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The <b>Australian Labor Party (ALP)</b> is [[Australia]]'s oldest continuous political party. The Labor Party was formed in 1891 and has used the name '''Labor''' over the more traditional Australian English usage of <b>Labour</b> since 1912. The ALP has a strong connection to the trade union movement.  

The <b>Australian Labor Party (ALP)</b> is [[Australia]]'s oldest continuous political party. The ALP was formed in 1891 and has used the name '''Labor''' over the more traditional Australian English usage of <b>Labour</b> since 1912. The ALP has a strong connection to the trade union movement.  

During the 1950s communist scare in Australia, the ALP expelled many anti-communist [[Catholic]] members. The anti-communist Roman Catholic members became suspicious of communist influence in the trade union movement and groups were formed to take control of the unions. The '''groupers''' went on to form the anti-communist, Catholic aligned, '''Democratic Labor Party (DLP)'''. The DLP became largely irrelevant after the election of a Federal ALP majority under [[Gough Whitlam]] in 1972.

During the 1950s communist scare in Australia, the ALP expelled many anti-communist [[Catholic]] members. The anti-communist Roman Catholic members became suspicious of communist influence in the trade union movement and groups were formed to take control of the unions. The '''groupers''' went on to form the anti-communist, Catholic aligned, '''Democratic Labor Party (DLP)'''. The DLP became largely irrelevant after the election of a Federal ALP majority under [[Gough Whitlam]] in 1972.

Famous ALP prime ministers have included the [[World War Two|war time]] [[John Curtin]] and 1970s  [[Gough Whitlam]]. Although espousing socialist ideals the ALP has never introduced [[socialism]] to Australia.  

Famous ALP prime ministers have included the [[World War Two|war time]] [[John Curtin]] and 1970s  [[Gough Whitlam]]. Although espousing socialist ideals the ALP has never introduced [[socialism]] to Australia.  

The current national leader of the ALP is [[Kevin Rudd]]. The ALP is currently in power in every Australian state and territory. At a Federal level the ALP is in opposition with the  <b>[[Liberal Party of Australia|Liberal]] [[National Party|National]] Coalition</b> holding power.

The current national leader of the ALP is [[Kevin Rudd]]. The ALP is currently in power in every Australian state and territory, and has won the federal election of 24th November, 2007.

[[Category:Political Parties]]

[[Category:Political Parties]]

[[Category:Australia]]

[[Category:Australia]]