Aust. National Party Wants Boycott End (Press, 15 August 1984)

On 15 August 1984, the Australian National Party (N.P.) unveiled its strategy for the upcoming Federal election, indicating a shift towards a more independent and conservative platform that may create friction within the party and with its Coalition partner, the Liberal Party. The party's Federal Council passed a resolution calling for the cessation of all sports boycotts against South Africa, a stance that diverges sharply from the Liberal Party’s position. Federal leader Ian Sinclair announced that the N.P. would commence its election campaign immediately, focusing on various contentious issues including the alliance with the United States, defence matters, support for free enterprise, and opposition to new taxation policies like death duties. The N.P. also plans to advocate for the interests of rural and mining industries, as well as address retirement incomes. Sinclair stressed the importance of family as the fundamental societal unit, proposing to tackle issues like pornography, inappropriate benefits for partners of A.B.C. employees, overseas travel allowances for MPs’ companions, and the sanctity of marriage. Further areas the N.P. aims to tackle include Medicare, funding for independent schools, migration patterns, and Aboriginal land rights. Underlying this agenda, Queensland National Party president Sir Robert Sparkes emphasised the need to abandon sports boycotts against South Africa, arguing that engaging with all nations through sport could better influence their political conditions rather than isolating them. In Sinclair's address, he warned against the closure of United States military bases in Australia, such as Pine Gap and North West Cape, asserting their critical role in global security by maintaining nuclear balance and monitoring compliance with arms control agreements. Additionally, the party refrained from adopting a hardline approach to Aboriginal land rights, opting instead for a more flexible strategy that allows for ongoing policy development. A proposal from Western Australia to firmly oppose the current land rights system was amended to advocate for collaborative policy development led by deputy leader Ralph Hunt, in conjunction with state branches as the election approaches. This decision underscores the party's intention to present a united stance while navigating the complexities of Aboriginal rights in its electoral strategy.

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