Call To Pay Benefit In Food Vouchers (Press, 6 May 1985)

The National Party’s Otago-Southland divisional conference, held in Invercargill on 3 and 4 May 1985, is set to discuss a range of remits, including a proposal for child allowances to be issued as clothing and food vouchers. This remit, presented by the Invercargill electorate branch, suggests replacing the current family benefit and Family Care allowance of $10 per week, allowing families to save these vouchers for more significant purchases like clothing. Among the 21 remits up for consideration, the conference will feature addresses by the party’s leader, Mr McLay, and president, Mrs Sue Wood. Significant discussions will also occur regarding social issues, with the St Kilda and Otago electorates pushing for strong opposition to the Homosexual Law Reform Bill. Meanwhile, the Waitaki and Invercargill electorates advocate for New Zealand to maintain full participation in the A.N.Z.U.S. alliance. Additional remits include proposals for tax exemptions related to the Family Care programme for taxpayers with dependents under 16, as well as calls for better sea transport services between Bluff and Stewart Island. There is also a request for the enforcement of censorship laws to regulate the distribution of pornographic videos, to abolish the fringe benefits tax, and to promote a non-interventionist approach by the State in international sporting relations. Furthermore, the Waitaki electorate seeks an investigation into road-user charges from a user-pays standpoint, while Invercargill and Young Nationals members aim for a review of the goods and services tax. The Wallace and Clutha electorates desire a comprehensive examination of National Superannuation and its taxation. Lastly, the Young Nationals are advocating for a streamlined training programme for the unemployed, proposing that the unemployment benefit be standardised and available exclusively to those committed to 15 to 20 hours of part-time vocational work or work-based training each week. This array of proposals reflects the diverse concerns and priorities of the party’s members within the Otago-Southland region.

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