Rath said:
In purely economic terms, which is where left-right is more clear, Australia aims for greater equality (more socialism) and America for greater individuality (more capitalism). That puts Australia as a more leftist country than America in my opinion.
I think the political compass is bit of a joke personally, it simplifies data too much. |
That's not nessisairly the case either though.
For example when it comes to Sexual discrimination laws, the US laws, outlook and execution is considered far superior then any other nations, which is why countries like the UK are trying to adopt the US laws and methods.
Additionally the economy in Australia is far less regulated. They rank 3rd in the economic freedoms index. They have a 30% flat tax on corporate taxes.
While the US has a progressive corporate tax rate.
Austarlia doesn't really seem to want people to be equal in economy more then the US. It just seems like they feel they need those things so they aren't dieing in the streets or something.
Those programs existed are clouding your general view on the subject, when they may exist for completely different reasons.
For example, there are things in there Unemployment process that democrats would find scandolous and wrong... including that said people may be forced to take part in activities such as forced volunteer work, forced government jobs (Work for Dole) and job training.
These are things Republicans have been pushing for, for years and years to weed out "lazy people" who just apply to jobs they know they can't get.
