Baldock: More to do on prostitution

In renewing his call for a cross-party look at prostitution after the Prostitution Reform Bill, United Future MP Larry Baldock today likened last night's vote to "watching John Eales kick a penalty in extra time at the end of a Bledisloe Cup match".

"The only problem was that this wasn't just a game," he said today.

"It was hugely disappointing and I can relate to how so many people who have worked hard over the last year to try and oppose this legislation feel today

"As I say, this is not a game. It is about the making of law for our nation and when Tim Barnett claims this is world-leading legislation, that should have us all concerned.

"It is a hybrid of New South Wales and Victorian legislation which has already been proven to fail to deliver anything positive for prostitutes in Australia, or Australian society at large.

"Our challenge is now to not allow disappointment to turn into bitterness or apathy, but instead to fuel a greater determination to engage in a political process nationwide and to strengthen the opportunity for mums and dads with a concern for their children and the society in which they are growing up, to be heard in the halls of power," Mr Baldock said.

"Even this legislation's backers acknowledge that there are serious flaws in it. I do not believe that we can, in good faith, stop here," he said in call for continuing cross-party efforts.

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