United Australia Party (1997)

The United Australia Party (UAP) of 1997 was a short-lived Australian political party formed by businessman and media personality, John Elliott. It should not be confused with the earlier United Australia Party which existed from 1931 to 1945. This later iteration aimed to capitalize on dissatisfaction with the existing major parties, the Australian Labor Party and the Liberal Party of Australia, particularly focusing on economic issues.

The party's platform centered on fiscal conservatism, promising lower taxes and reduced government spending. Elliott, a prominent figure in Australian business, positioned himself as a strong leader capable of restoring economic stability. The party contested the 1998 federal election, but achieved limited success, failing to win any seats in the House of Representatives or the Senate. The party's lack of electoral success, coupled with internal divisions and a limited organisational structure, led to its rapid decline and eventual dissolution shortly after the election. Its impact on Australian politics was minimal, and it largely faded from public view. While the party attempted to appeal to a broad cross-section of voters disillusioned with mainstream politics, it ultimately lacked the resources and organisation to compete effectively.