Labour Move For New Price Rules (Press, 7 May 1979)

On 7 May 1979, it was reported that a new price-setting procedure is to be proposed at the Labour Party's annual conference scheduled to begin on 14 May in Wellington. This proposal, stemming from the Auckland regional conference, suggests establishing a tribunal that would set prices for all items classified by Parliament as essential. The tribunal would consist of representatives from manufacturers, employers, workers, and the Consumers’ Institute. A total of twenty remits are set to be discussed at the conference. Among the other key remits, one from the Auckland and Wanganui regional conferences calls for members of Parliament to declare their financial interests at the start of each Parliamentary session. An educational remit, supported by the Otago-Southland, Auckland, and Waikato regional conferences, urges a review of the student bursary system to ensure it meets at least the basic living wage. Additionally, there is a push for electoral reform, with a remit endorsed by all regional conferences seeking the introduction of electoral laws that combine the best features of various voting systems. An energy-focused remit advocates for the expansion of underground coal mining, along with an intensive coal drilling programme under a Labour government. This also includes establishing a coal board with equal representation from management and workers for mine management. A proposed taxation remit calls for the Labour government to tax the cash value of fringe benefits for individual taxpayers, as well as to revoke tax deductions available to companies for expenses related to pleasure crafts and high-cost meals. This remit aligns with Labour's 1978 election manifesto which includes tax deductions for house mortgage interest and reduced taxes for national superannuitants with limited income. Another remit from Auckland and Wanganui advocates for the repeal of the Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion Act. There is also a proposal for a referendum on legalising homosexual relations between consenting adults. The potential next Labour government is urged to review the law regarding restitution in criminal cases, focusing on holding offenders accountable for the costs of their crimes. Additionally, it has been suggested that individuals should be able to apply to have their convictions quashed five years after their penalty, provided they can prove good conduct during that period. In terms of justice reform, one remit proposes that the Security Intelligence Service should operate under judicial oversight rather than under the Prime Minister's authority. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of local-body rating is called for, along with an investigation into the feasibility of establishing an airship industry in New Zealand.

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