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Article: The future of Australian liberalism: liberal values are under attack across the world from a reactionary social conservatism seeking to impose a uniform social and political order. Only by rediscovering the values of pluralism can liberalism prosper in the twenty-first century.
- Article from:
- Arena Magazine
- Article date:
- April 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Arena Printing and Publications Pty. Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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On the North Shore of Sydney, and in the inner-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, there is a new breed of voter -- the `reluctant liberal'. Typically university educated, in a professional occupation, or at least having been at some time, this individual has voted for the Liberal Party for most of his or her voting life. Their essential values are shaped by a belief in Australia being a progressive country and in a view that the world can be a more equal place through the application of free and fair trade. They typically acknowledge the role of government in ensuring that there is a safety net to protect those who slip through the cracks of our economic and social structures. ...