Keep Conscience Vote Or I Resign—m.p. (Press, 24 April 1986)

On 24 April 1986, during the Labour Party's Central North Island conference in Levin, MP Geoff Braybrooke addressed the contentious issue of the conscience vote for party members. Braybrooke, the representative for Napier and an opponent of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill, made it clear that he would resign if the conscience vote were abandoned. His statement came amidst a vigorous debate over a proposal to eliminate the conscience vote, which was ultimately defeated by a show of hands. The discussion at the conference highlighted differing perspectives on how members should vote. One delegate argued that members should sync their votes with the consensus of their electorates, implying that the conscience vote was being used improperly by certain groups to gain undue influence on specific issues. Braybrooke rebutted this notion, advocating for the necessity of individual MPs maintaining the right to vote according to their own beliefs. Aside from the conscience vote debate, the conference addressed various economic matters. A representative from the Caretakers and Cleaners’ Union, Mr Pat Kelly, called for increased New Zealand control over the economy, while Associate Finance Minister Mr de Cleene countered, asserting that wealth cannot be taxed unless it exists. Despite some contention, a remit that advocated greater oversight on foreign loans was adopted after the clause pertaining to strict loan raising controls was removed. In another discussion, a proposal aimed at managing foreign exchange rates was voted down. However, a remit proposing to lower high-interest rates—believed to jeopardise the Labour Party's re-election chances—was approved. This remit called for reduced mortgage rates and gradual cuts in government trading departments' rates, including those from the Post Office. Furthermore, the conference endorsed a review of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and other tax modifications that notably impact low and middle-income earners, as well as beneficiaries, to take place six months after GST’s implementation. Another resolution called for the revocation of the Governor-General’s privileges concerning customs duty and sales tax, which faced some opposition yet was passed. Finally, delegates reached a consensus to prohibit sports event sponsorships by tobacco companies. On housing issues, there was support for providing mortgage finance to all low and middle-income earners at affordable rates. Overall, the conference reflected a blend of social and economic concerns significant to the Labour Party and its constituents.

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