Australia: Party Politicians as a Political Class

The hallmark of the Australian political system is strong party control. The consequences of party control and party discipline for the recruitment, composition, organization, and outlook of Australia's political class are examined, both across the states and on the federal level. Party service and party loyalty are central requirements for entry into, and mobility within, the political class. Reform pressure is mainly pointed at establishing higher ethical standards of conduct, but will probably not result in fundamental changes for Australia's 'party political class'.