Australia is an independent country within the Commonwealth. It is a monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. It is Australia’s oldest political party. Founded in the 1880s, the Labour Party was formed in the midst of depression & high unemployment. Traditionally the Labour Party has taken a role in voicing the needs of the common workers, & has taken the side in upholding social justice. The National Party, formerly the Country Party founded in 1920, was established to better represent the interests of the industries & residents of rural Australia.It represents a unique aspect of Australia, from which we see not only their heritage as a nation as a whole, but also in that rural Australia represents a large & important part in Australia’s economy.It shows the considerable influence rural Australia exerts on the government.