Philosophy and Platform of the Northern Territory Country Liberal Party
The Philosophy of the Country Liberal Party is a true reflection of the fundamental and enduring beliefs of its members.
The Platform of the Country Liberal Party contains a broad set of principles and ideals that reflect the beliefs as outlined in the Party's Philosophy.
The Philosophy and Platform of the CLP can only be amended by a two third majority vote of Annual Conference.
Party Policy is the means by which the objectives of the Philosophy, as reflected in the Platform, may be achieved. Policy is the course or general plans of action adopted by the Party.
Party Policy may be determined by a simple majority vote of Central Council.
Who we are - In what we believe
The Northern Territory Country Liberal Party
• is a party founded in the Northern Territory by Northern Territorians and dedicated to the advancement of the Northern Territory.
• is a progressive party committed to social, economic and political progress within a framework of traditional conservative values.
• is dedicated to the advancement of the liberal values of individualism and reward for effort and productivity combined with social justice and compassion
• endorses and promotes the rule of law and the rights of all persons to freedom , equality and protection under the rule of law
• recognizes the freedom, rights and responsibilities of the individual in an open society
• promotes a just, fair and secure society encouraging the innovative, protecting the disadvantaged and ensuring a harmonious multi-cultural society accepting diversity of race and lifestyle.
• believes that the private enterprise system is the foundation for producing economic growth
• is committed to developing the Northern Territory for the social, economic and political benefit of all its citizens
• is dedicated to effective and efficient government
• is dedicated to the timely achievement of Statehood for the N.T.
• supports the Federal system of government and the promotion of cordial relations with the Commonwealth and its constituent States.
The Territory - Our Pride in the Past, Our Vision for the Future
The CLP is proud of the Territory and what it has achieved in past since Self Government and the future that Territorians will build together. The CLP admires those Territorians who have persevered through adversity, who have had the confidence to take the chances with new and innovative ideas, and who have had the vision to make the Territory as great as it is today.
The Northern Territory is Australia's newest democracy. The people who have created the Territory have come from all corners of the globe. We are people rich, we are ambitious for the future and envisage our future to be one of prosperity where individual effort is encouraged and rewarded, where all Territorians are regarded as equal and protected by law and where the disadvantaged can live with dignity and are encouraged to be full participating members of society.
The CLP acknowledges the first Territorians, the Aboriginal people who inhabited the land prior to settlement by peoples from other lands and cultures. The CLP embraces the mix of ethnic origins and cultures that make the Northern Territory one of the most culturally diverse areas of Australia. We see that this cultural diversity, our ability to live together in harmony and our unity of purpose are our strongest assets as we move together toward Statehood for the Northern Territory.
As an emerging State of the Commonwealth of Australia, the CLP sees our economic prosperity as being one of our greatest assets. We support the private enterprise system as being integral to continued economic growth. The CLP acknowledges and applauds the vision of those who have, since Self Government worked with Government to build the Northern Territory into one of Australia's most successful economies and commits to working with like minded people in the future to further develop and enrich the Territory.
The Territory's natural wonders are a source of wealth to all. Not only do they provide an economic advantage to Territorians through tourism, they are also unique in their beauty and are an important part in the natural heritage of our nation. The CLP supports the environmentally sustainable development of our natural resources in the long and short term, to allow others the opportunity to appreciate them. At the same time the CLP makes the commitment to ensure that our natural heritage is protected, so that it remains as a rich resource for the future.
The past of the Territory has been built on strong, vibrant families who have overcome natural disasters, personal hardship, distance, lack of communication, separation and isolation to build the Territory. The CLP acknowledges that the family is one of the most important factors in building a strong community.
Our older Territorians have made tremendous contributions in the development of the Territory. Many have participated in the defence of Australia in international conflicts. They have been the trail blazers in the development of our pastoral, fishing, agricultural, transport, mining and tourism infrastructure. The CLP is committed to providing them with the highest level of care so that they can continue to be recognised as valued members of the community. Their knowledge of the past can provide our young people with a valuable insight into what has made our Territory what it is today.
Our youth are our future. We think that the foundations have been laid for a future that is bright, with many opportunities for all. We have provided many avenues for our youth to pursue a future through education and employment. We have a vision where our youth can face the Territory's future with pride and confidence. We support Government initiatives that will encourage our young people to learn from the past and forge a new and even brighter future for everyone.
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The Territory's People
The CLP is concerned with the quality of life of the Territory's people. We are committed to creating an environment in which people can enjoy the lifestyle of their choosing and be encouraged to be individually successful.
Families and Children:
• The CLP believes that the family unit is the cornerstone of society, and is committed to providing services that will assist in the development and strengthening of safe, supportive and nurturing families.
• The CLP believes that the family should have the primary responsibility for the development of its individual family members and that government and community based organizations should be available to assist when necessary.
• The CLP believes that strong, vibrant families are critical to the future of the Northern Territory and is committed to providing incentives to encourage more families to establish in the Northern Territory.
Seniors:
• The CLP believes that Seniors should be encouraged and afforded every opportunity to live with dignity, independence and security, including providing affordable housing and home support where appropriate.
• The CLP recognises the contribution made by senior Territorians to the development of the Northern Territory and is committed to providing assistance and benefits to all Seniors to encourage them to continue living in the Northern Territory.
• The CLP will continue to support Seniors to maintain and enhance their lifestyle through community activities and programs.
• The CLP will actively pursue avenues of support from the Federal Government to assist older Territorians to maintain the lifestyle of their choosing.
Women:
• The CLP believes in the principle of equal opportunity based on merit and fair competition for all Territorians, and is committed to ensuring equality of access by women in all their endeavours including health, education, employment and family services.
• The CLP recognises that there are women throughout the Territory who suffer the effects of the tyranny of distance in many aspects of their lives and is committed to providing special services to these women to encourage them to reach their full potential and be of benefit to the community in which they live.
• The CLP abhors violence against women. Education programs aimed at reducing violence against women are essential. All women must be afforded the full support of the law for the protection of themselves and their families.
Youth:
• The CLP believes that young people are our future and is committed to programs that aid in the development and fostering of young people so that they may reach their maximum potential and establish a place for themselves in society.
• The CLP is committed to ensuring that young people are provided with the best possible educational opportunities and a stable economic, social and political climate that will enable them to contribute and prosper.
• The CLP believes that young people who live in regional and remote areas of the Northern Territory should be presented with opportunities to enable them to access a range of mainstream activities associated with education, health, business, finance and cultural experiences.
• The CLP supports the involvement of young people in political and community affairs, and will ensure that support is given to young people to participate in these activities if they so wish.
People with Disabilities:
• The CLP is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities are able to reach their full potential within a framework of support from both government and community service groups.
• The CLP acknowledges the outstanding efforts made by families, carers and respite workers in caring for people with disabilities and is committed to addressing the unmet need in this area across the Territory.
• The CLP believes that people with disabilities should be encouraged wherever possible, with support from appropriate agencies, to live within the environment of their choice for as long as practicable and is committed to providing options such as accommodation for them to reach this goal.
Education:
• The CLP is committed to providing educational opportunities for all people in the Northern Territory and continues to work towards ensuring that all Territorians are provided with the opportunity to achieve appropriate literacy and numeracy levels irrespective of age, gender or race
• The CLP maintains ongoing consultation with parents, educators and industry to ensure that their expectations of education are met.
• The CLP recognises and will provide for the educational needs of the gifted and talented students as well as those with special learning needs.
• The CLP encourages and support the ongoing development and maintenance of independent educational institutions.
• The CLP supports personal development programs in all areas of education to ensure that educators are able to maintain high levels of educational excellence.
Health:
• The CLP is committed to ensuring that the overall health of all Territorians is of paramount importance to government.
• The CLP is committed to the provision of first class hospital services which are accessible to all Territorians.
• The CLP is committed to increasing respite, rehabilitation and palliative care services in
the Territory.
• The CLP will work to maximise the best mix of public and private health services so that Territorians can choose the type of service they wish to use.
• The CLP is committed to the provision of health programs designed to prevent disease and which help people chose to live a healthy lifestyle.
Governing the Territory - for all Territorians
The CLP believes that in a democratic society government should be resourceful, effective and responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people. The CLP believes that government should not be intrusive in people's lives, that a government that limits regulatory processes is good government and that any decisions taken by government should be taken in the public interest and for the benefit of the majority.
Law and Order:
• For good order to be maintained in an open and free society there must be a consistent and strong approach to law and order, with the objective of protecting the innocent and providing appropriate punishments to the perpetrators of crime. The CLP supports the enactment of laws that ensure justice without discrimination or partiality. The CLP believes that a strong and stable community is dependent on an effective administration of justice.
• The CLP supports the independence of the judiciary but believes that punishment for crimes must also reflect the views of the community.
• The CLP supports ongoing law reform, to ensure that laws enacted are clear and unequivocal, that they reflect the needs of a contemporary society and that there are mechanisms put in place to streamline the administration of justice.
Individual Freedom:
• As a party that defends the rights of people to enjoy individual freedom and the fundamental privileges of freedom of speech, organization, assembly, religion and non-violent dissent, the CLP recognises that with such rights and privileges comes responsibility and that this freedom is contingent on individuals being responsible for their own behaviour and aware and accommodating of the rights of others.
• The CLP believes that individuals should have access to government and public service decisions, where it can be proven that they impact on the individual involved. Access by interested third parties to other information should only be granted where there is no threat to the privacy of individuals or where it can be guaranteed that that access will not impinge on essential security.
• The CLP supports the concept of equality of opportunity in every avenue of life irrespective of a person's sex, race, religion age or marital status.
Relations with the Federal Government and the States and Territories:
• The CLP supports a federal system of government where the States and Territories agree to grant control of common affairs to the Federal Government but retain the right for individual States and Territories to have control over their own internal affairs.
• The CLP continues to oppose any intrusion by the Federal Government in the legislative decisions taken by the elected Government of the Northern Territory.
• The CLP continues to work with Federal, State and Territory Governments to progress the Northern Territory's move towards Statehood.
• The CLP is committed to working in a constructive and collaborative manner with other States and Territories on matters of mutual interest that will benefit the Northern Territory.
• The CLP sees duplication of services between the Federal, Territory and Local Government as a waste of effort and financial resources. We are committed to ensuring that this duplication is minimised and that the benefits flow to the Territory.
Local Government:
• The CLP believes that Local and Community Governments should be genuine and active partners with the Federal and Territory Governments in ensuring that the needs of local communities are met.
• The CLP will develop partnerships with Local and Community Governments to ensure that national programs are delivered effectively and efficiently and have the best possible outcomes for Territorians.
• The CLP believes that Local and Community Governments should, in conjunction with the Territory Government, be encouraged to participate in long term planning for initiatives that will benefit all Territorians.
• The CLP believes that decisions that will impact on the wider Territory community should not be taken by individual councils until there has been widespread public consultation across the Territory.
Environment:
• The CLP acknowledges that environmental factors both physical and cultural have paramount influence on the survival of our flora and fauna. The CLP supports the responsible management of our natural resources and sees the need for sustainable and balanced development of and around those resources so that they may be preserved for the future and where appropriate provide economic benefits for Territorians.
• The CLP will work to ensure that all national parks in the Northern Territory will continue to be accessible to all.
• The CLP is conscious of the fact that as the Territory develops industrially that there will be new imperatives to face with regard to pollution and other environmental issues and is committed to ensuring that legislative frameworks and enforcement powers are in place to accommodate such development.
• The CLP will preserve for future generations the historical and architectural heritage of the Northern Territory.
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Prosperity and Development
The CLP believes that prosperity and development of the Territory can best be achieved by a vibrant and progressive private sector that is encouraged and supported by government. We believe that government should not be intrusive but should limit its involvement to providing the necessary stimulus and economic climate for business to progress.
Regional and Rural Development:
• The CLP recognizes the close economic and social links between the urban and rural areas of the Territory and therefore believes that it is essential for government to become involved with the development of programs that will upgrade the quality of services in rural and regional areas and deliver a long term benefit to all Territorians.
• The CLP believes that government services, administration and facilities should be provided in regional and rural areas to encourage and strengthen local communities.
• The CLP is committed to working with the Federal Government to ensure that where Federal Programs are introduced, enabling and ongoing funding is allocated to regional and rural areas of the Territory.
Primary Industries:
• The CLP is committed to the development of the mining, pastoral, agricultural, aquaculture and horticultural sectors of the Territory economy.
• The CLP believes that government should encourage the effective value adding and marketing of primary produce.
• The CLP supports the provision by government of continuing programs of research and development for primary industries.
• The CLP believes that NT Government in partnership with the Federal Government should provide a comprehensive drought and other natural disasters assistance schemes for primary producers.
• The CLP believes in the protection of primary production against exotic diseases and pests by the scrupulous application of quarantine standards and control measures.
Small Business:
• The CLP recognises that small business is the cornerstone of the Territory economy and that it is the major source for economic growth and employment opportunities.
• The CLP believes that government should not be directly involved with providing financial support to small business unless a clear and proven public benefit can be demonstrated.
• The CLP is committed to communicating with the small business to ensure that it receives timely and appropriate information on issues that are impacting on that sector.
• The CLP is committed to policies that achieve the viability of the small business sector including those that ensure government regulations and requirements are minimised and that business advice centres are maintained across the Territory.
Development:
• The CLP believes that the long term prosperity of the Northern Territory is closely linked to the development of manufacturing and commercial industries which will maximise employment and productivity.
• The CLP is committed to the growth and diversification of existing and new industries and their expansion into export markets.
• The CLP encourages commercial enterprises to use and develop the natural resources of the Territory.
• The CLP seeks and encourages external investment in the Northern Territory.
• The CLP believes that every effort should be made to promote the Northern Territory as a tourist destination both nationally and internationally and that for this to be achieved that private enterprise should be encouraged to take a leading role with government playing a supportive role as and when needed.
Some of the Achievements of the CLP in Government
Self Government
Gas Pipeline
Yulara
Kings Canyon and Katherine Gorge Visitor Centres
Establishment of National Parks
• Litchfield
• Douglas Daly
• Gregory
• Keep River
• Charles Darwin
Northern Territory Museum
Tennant Creek Gold Battery and Tourist Information Centre
Arafura Games
Masters Games
Marrara Sporting Complex
Channel Island Power Station
State Square (Parliament House and Supreme Court)
Territory Wildlife Park
Alice Springs Desert Park
Pastoral Roads
Major highway development
Recreational Fishing
Araluen Arts Centre
Performing Arts Centre
NT University
V8 Super Cars
Tourism Development
East Arm Port
Agricultural and Horticultural Development
Windows on the Wetland
N.T. Museums
Stokes Hill Warf Tourism Precinct
Alice Springs Convention Centre
Gas Development
Alice Springs to Darwin Railway
Living with Alcohol Program
Domestic Violence Program
Strong Women, Strong Babies, Strong Culture Program
Peter McCauley Police Centre
Forensic Centre
Closure of major rivers to commercial fishermen
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