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The '''National Party of Australia''' is a [[political party]] in [[Australia]], with wide national appeal, and is generally considered the 3rd largest party by popular vote. It is considered to have [[Conservatism|conservative]] values and policies.  

The '''National Party of Australia''' is a [[political party]] in [[Australia]], with wide national appeal, and is generally considered the 3rd largest party by popular vote.  

 

It is considered to have [[Conservatism|conservative]] values and policies, is historically anti-[[union]], has supported at various times either state support for [[primary industry]] ("agrarian socialism") or free agricultural trade, and has opposed tariff protection for Australia's manufacturing and service industries.  

==History==

==History==

Federally, in [[New South Wales]] and [[Victoria]], it has generally been the minor party in the traditional coalition with the [[Liberal Party of Australia]] in government and in opposition since the 1940s. However, it was the major coalition party in government in [[Queensland]] between 1957 and 1989, and still retains more seats the Liberals.

Federally, in [[New South Wales]] and [[Victoria]], it has generally been the minor party in the traditional coalition with the [[Liberal Party of Australia]] in government and in opposition since the 1940s. However, it was the major coalition party in government in [[Queensland]] between 1957 and 1989, and still retains more seats the Liberals.

The division of Ministers or Shadow Ministers is divided generally according to the proportion of seats retained by each party. In most cases, the leader of the 'junior' party is given the role of Deputy Leader of the coalition. Combined party meetings are held, to discuss policies, as well as single Party meetings.  

The division of Ministers or Shadow Ministers is divided generally according to the proportion of seats retained by each party. In most cases, the leader of the 'junior' party is given the role of Deputy Leader of the coalition. In government, the Nationals have most often provided the Minister responsible for farm issues and/or international trade. Combined party meetings are held, to discuss policies, as well as single Party meetings.  

Various agreements have been worked out between the coalition partners as to non-aggression in elections; generally, where parties may draw votes away from the other to the combined detriment then the less favoured coalition party will not stand a candidate.

Various agreements have been worked out between the coalition partners as to non-aggression in elections; generally, where parties may draw votes away from the other to the combined detriment then the less favoured coalition party will not stand a candidate.