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As you are probably aware the Prostitution Law Reform Bill passed through the committee stage in Parliament last week.
I have received many letters, both for and against this Bill, and I will say that a few weeks ago I had a grave crisis of conscience over which way to vote.
I was persuaded somewhat by a meeting I had with Dr Melissa Farley, who published a research paper on prostitution in New Zealand.
While I disagreed with her at the time I did take time afterwards to consider what she and I had debated. I also went over my own experiences and was very nearly going to change my support.
But I went back to my original feelings, having been reliably informed that some of Dr Farley's research was flawed and that her questionnaires were not put to the New Zealand Ethics Committee.
I asked myself what would be achieved if nothing happened and the status quo remained and decided that it would simply not be good enough.
Amendments, such as local authorities having the power to control where brothels are housed, strengthened the Bill, so I voted for the Bill to continue through to the third and final reading, as was my original intention.
I realise that some Wairarapa residents may not agree with this, but rest assured I did not take this stand lightly.
There has been comment made in the news media over the future of some services at Masterton Hospital.
I have spoken to the Minister of Health and will be briefed this week by her officials.
I will be keeping a close eye on this.
The Government's bid for a controlling stake in Tranz Rail is the Wairarapa's best chance of avoiding the risk of some economic derailment.
The Government has moved to sign a Heads of Agreement to buy the rail network for $1 and take a 35 percent stake in Tranz Rail for $76 million, subject to approval by the rail company's board and shareholders.
Tranz Rail was in a financial melt-down and the proposal from the Government provides some hope of security for the rail network in the Wairarapa.
Tranz Rail was facing collapse. Even short-term disruption to freight services could have created havoc for towns such as Dannevirke, Masterton and Featherston and regions like the Wairarapa and across New Zealand.
Keeping freight moving by rail is a key component in the region's development.
Given the important role that Tranz Rail plays in moving freight around New Zealand - and minimising the number of trucks on the road - it is crucial that the freight trains keep on rolling.
For these reasons alone, the Government's move to protect the rail network from collapse is very welcome.
It is, however, somewhat premature for people to start speculating about the Government's bid for the rail network leading to a resumption of lost passenger services.
For a start, the offer needs to be accepted.
There will be some wide-reaching ramifications flowing from the government's proposal to buy the rail network and Tranz Rail's surrendering of its lease to the land under the tracks.
For now, it's in the Wairarapa's interests and the nation's for the offer to be accepted so as to secure an improved future for our rail network.
When it comes to new initiatives, the Government is committed to ensuring Veterans' services are reviewed and improved.
For instance, several veterans have raised concerns over the hearing aids they receive from War Pensions.
The Minister, George Hawkins, has asked Veterans' Affairs to look at the way hearing aids are allocated and if you have concerns in this area, I'd ask you to contact Veterans' Affairs.
In this year's budget an additional $500,000 was allocated to maintain and develop Services Cemeteries.
This will allow for an increase in maintenance grants paid to Cemetery authorities and will also allow for more cemetery capital works to be carried out.
Concerns have been raised that recipients of gallantry awards can't receive the gallantry award allowance unless they are also receiving a War Disablement Pension.
While the Minister has said he will look at this, I must say that this is likely to require an amendment to the War Pensions Act 1954 and as you are no doubt aware, law changes always take time.
Entitlement to coverage under the War Pensions Act 1954 remains under constant review, as does eligibility for interment in Services Cemeteries.
I am delighted to say the Minister has extended the eligibility for War Pensions cover and burial entitlement in Services Cemeteries for New Zealand Defence Force personnel who served in Angola.
The current coverage for Angola ceased in March 1993 with the withdrawal of the UN monitors.
Coverage was not reinstated when the UN re-entered Angola to oversee the implementation of the 1995 peace agreement.
The War Pensions Act 1954 also allows cover for civilians who have served in Wars and Emergencies.
It is the Minister's intention to extend this cover to members of the New Zealand civilian surgical team who served in Vietnam between 1963 and 1975.
He has also extended eligibility to burial in a Services Cemetery to those who served as part of OPERATION MIDFORD.
This Operation monitored the cease-fire in Rhodesia between 23 December 1979 and 5 March 1980.
I was pleased to spend the day on Wednesday with Emma Matthews, a student from Kuranui College, who came to Parliament to get an insight into the life of an MP.
Emma joined me at the Law and Order Select Committee and managed to grab a 10 minute lunch break before heading to question time in the House and the General Debate.
I hope she enjoyed the day, particularly her meeting with the Prime Minister.
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