# Election Campaign Live

> National pledges drug testing for Jobseeker recipients as Labour accuses them of using 'bludgers' in polls.
- Title: Election Campaign Live · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: National pledges drug testing for Jobseeker recipients as Labour accuses them of using 'bludgers' in polls. National plans random drug testing for Jobseeker…
- Keywords: national, labour, jobseeker, bludgers, election, politics, new zealand, news, Campaign, Live, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1786997/election-live-campaigning-continues-as-politicians-pin-hopes-on-auckland
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-08T05:06:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national, labour, jobseeker, bludgers, election, politics, new zealand, news
## National drug testing pledge
National vowed to introduce random drug testing for Jobseeker support recipients, arguing they should take 'reasonable steps to remain work-ready'.

> reasonable steps to remain work-ready
## Labour's 'bludgers' accusation
Labour accused National of painting beneficiaries as 'bludgers' in the hope it translates to a bounce in the polls.

> bludgers
## Winston Peters on abortion
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said some abortions could shade into 'murder or assassination' depending on timing.

> murder or assassination
## Key takeaway

National plans random drug testing for Jobseeker support recipients while Labour claims they label beneficiaries as 'bludgers' to boost poll numbers.