# Election Campaign Update

> National pledges random drug testing for Jobseeker recipients amid election tensions.
- Title: Election Campaign Update · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: National pledges random drug testing for Jobseeker recipients amid election tensions. National Party promises random drug testing for Jobseeker support…
- Keywords: national party, labour party, new zealand first, winston peters, jobseeker support, conversion therapy, politics, news, Election, Campaign, Update, RNZ
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/politics_election-2026/1786997/as-it-happened-election-campaign-8-october
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-08T05:06:45+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national party, labour party, new zealand first, winston peters, jobseeker support, conversion therapy, politics, news
## National's drug testing pledge
National Party 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
## Winston Peters on conversion therapy
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said the country's ban on conversion therapy should be revisited, adding some abortions could shade into murder or assassination depending on timing.

> some abortions could shade into murder or assassination
## Labour's criticism of National
Labour Party accused National of painting beneficiaries as 'bludgers' in the hope it translates to a bounce in the polls.

> bludgers
## Key takeaway

National Party promises random drug testing for Jobseeker support recipients to boost poll numbers, while New Zealand First leader Winston Peters calls for revisiting conversion therapy bans.