‘S.m.p.s Now On Children’ (Press, 6 May 1985)

At the National Party conference held in Ashburton on the weekend of 4-5 May 1985, chairman Neville Young delivered a strong critique of the Labour Government's economic policies, claiming they prioritised payments for children over traditional agricultural supports. Young compared current government actions to previous policies, asserting that the Labour Government was using market principles in a manner that undermined personal freedoms and economic stability. He argued that while the National Government had offered supplementary minimum prices (S.M.P.s) for sheep to aid farmers, the Labour Government's Family Care initiative effectively replaced these payments with support for families. He cautioned that such subsidies could entrap recipients in low-income scenarios, preventing them from increasing their earnings without losing their benefits. To further emphasise his point, Young questioned the government’s promises regarding national superannuation and the effects of the newly introduced goods and services tax (GST). He expressed skepticism over whether the promised tax relief would materialise and highlighted concerns regarding potential overspending of GST revenues across various national priorities. The conference served as a moment for the party to reflect on a tumultuous year, which included a significant electoral defeat and internal dissent. Young noted that despite the challenges, the party was rejuvenated and ready to compete in future elections. Throughout the two-day event, which attracted about 185 attendees, there was a noticeable absence of internal conflict despite expectations of dissent, particularly concerning issues like the Sunday Club. Several key remits were adopted during the conference, including calls to reassess national superannuation, oppose the proposed GST, and reject the Family Care scheme. Delegates unanimously supported voluntary unionism and debated the controversial topic of legalising prostitution, with a narrow vote in favour of licensing. In conclusion, the conference represented a moment for the National Party to consolidate its position, address critical issues, and strategise for upcoming electoral challenges.

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