Is Australia socialist?

I'd say no. Because our goods and services are largely
owned by private companies. People still sell their
labour to the highest bidder. And, relatively little
of our assets are owned by the state. But it is a bit of
a hotch-potch. The best of both worlds.

We do have a
strong welfare system namely our public health care
system. Many major hospitals and state railways are
government owned. We also have strong regulations
in regard to labour which means that big corporations
and small businesses can't legally exploit people.

Our governments have sold off - banks, airlines,
telecommunications, water, electricity, air-ports -
what's next?

It is the best of all worlds here in Australia.

It is the best of all worlds here in Australia.
Foxy,
So far I'd rather agree with you than not !

individual,

Onya!

Have to disagree there Foxy, Australian government expenditure accounts for 45% of GDP, with revenue at 35% taken directly from GDP, mostly in the form of taxation, plus an additional 10% in borrowings. Direct welfare payments alone accounts for about 10% of Federal government expenditure, add to that a myriad of other support costs in health, education, housing etc that government carries, then it can all be classed as redistribution of wealth, which is Socialism.

China viewed as a "Communist" country, but has less dependence on government spending as a percentage of GDP than Australia or America does, and a lot less than most European countries including Britain. In the majority of third world countries government revenue combined with borrowings is a lot less than in developed countries, for example where Australia is at 45%, Bangladesh is at around 15%. there are your true Capitalist countries.

Where one pays more Tax than another is not Socialism nor Capitalism, it's plain stupid.
When everyone pays the same Tax it's Democracy !
Where workers get paid a pittance from the buyers then that's Socialist Capitalism exploitation !
Where people get paid more for remembering the right answers in exams than actually producing revenue is a Westminster system !

We're a capitalist country, with some socialist-like policies