The Australian Labor Party was formed in the 1890s by trade unions seeking a political voice and an increase of influence in government after the failure of the shearers and maritime strikes. Strongest membership and financial support comes from trade unions. Its strongest electoral support resides within inner city and industrial suburbs with populations characterised by lower incomes and blue-collar occupations. The ALP has traditionally advocated improved working and living conditions for the wage-earning population.
Labor believes that unregulated private enterprise tends to produce inequalities and injustices.
In Australia, governments work from a 'party system'. This means that the party or the coalition of parties with the largest number of elected members in parliament usually forms the government of the day. Political parties are formed by groups of people with common interests and outlook who come together with the aim of either forming government or strengthening their influence on government. Each party creates policies that will achieve its aims and then presents candidates for election to parliament. If a party's policies are attractive to enough voters they will achieve a majority of members in the parliament and then form the government.