About Us
Being Labor means that you are part of a movement that is dedicated to ensuring all Australians have access to a good education, quality health services and opportunities to succeed and prosper. As a party, we believe in the values of equality, opportunity, fairness and reform, and have a proud history of fighting for and delivering these goals.
From workers’ rights and entitlements, like the minimum wage, superannuation and annual leave, to anti-discrimination laws and universal health and education systems – the Labor Party has always been the party dedicated to keeping Australia fair.
Labor’s political history in Tasmania goes back to the late 19th Century, but the first Labor Government in Tasmania was elected in 1906 under John Earle. The party governed for just 5 of the next 28 years, but during that time they established the state’s Hydro-Electric Department (now Hydro Tasmania), which developed Tasmania’s beloved, world-leading hydro-electric scheme.
Albert Ogilvie led the party into government in 1934 and embarked on a program of public works and reversing budget cuts that helped set the stage for an unbroken 35 years of Labor rule in Tasmania from 1934 to 1969. Subsequent Labor Governments have maintained a strong track record of economic management and a commitment to making life better for all Tasmanians.
Modern Tasmanian Labor continues to stand up for Tasmanians, with a commitment to ensuring every Tasmanian has the opportunity to reach their potential through accessible, quality education that begins in the early years and continues through school and into vocational training and university. We want young Tasmanians to want to stay here, by building a vibrant economy and community, ensuring all Tasmanians have safe, well-paid, secure jobs, and providing robust public services and a strong safety net to ensure no one is left behind. And we aim to build on Tasmania’s history as a renewable energy powerhouse as the foundation for our commitment to tackling climate change.
