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About Us
Socialist society
The many changes the CPA proposes will eventually lead to the establishment of a
socialist political and economic system.
In a socialist system publicly owned and controlled enterprises would become the
dominant form of ownership in our economy. This would not exclude some forms of
private ownership continuing to exist for a long time.
While industries must be efficient and be able to balance the books, the benefits
from increased production must be passed on to the people who are doing the work.
This means placing limits on private profit making.
Conditions for the investment of foreign capital would be controlled and regulated,
as would be the export of profits, so no other country or transnational corporation
could gain a dominant position in the Australian economy. This will help maintain
Australia's national independence.
Economic planning is necessary in a socialist society to prevent the booms and slumps
which are a persistent feature of all capitalist economies. Planning would enable the
best use to be made of the nation's resources, the technical skills of workers and to
protect the overall needs of the people.
A socialist government would be democratic and made up of representatives of the
workers, scientists, technologists, intellectuals, farmers and small business people.
There would be the right of recall so that elected representatives who do not do
their job well could be replaced.
For socialism to work, the working people must be intimately involved in helping to
run the country and industry. Workers would be involved in management and in decision
making at all levels.
Socialism and democracy go hand-in-hand. In addition to having the right to elect the
government and to stand as a candidate in an election from time to time, the right of
all to participate fully in social, economic and political life would be encouraged.
A socialist government would insist on the peaceful, negotiated settlement of
international disputes and would consistently support mutual international
disarmament. Aggression and interference in the internal affairs of other countries
would be replaced by a policy of friendship, non-interference and respect.
A major task for a socialist government would be to educate everyone in an attitude
and lifestyle which respects and protects the environment. Protection of the
environment calls for scientific knowledge, constant vigilance and public awareness
together with democratic involvement and accountability.
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