From 2002-2004 together with representatives from the Department of Planning and The Department of Health and the Local Council and Shires Association I served on the Sex Services Premises Planning Advisory Panel. The Panel found that prohibition of sex work and discrimination against sex workers is against the spirit of the law and poses a threat to the public health. As the ex Minister for Health Mr Iemma should be ashamed of himself that he is prepared to sell out on the public health for short term political gain. In Tanzania where I am currently, the Government is desperately trying to counteract discrimination against high risk populations such as sex workers because it has realised that this is the key to improving public health. Unfortunately Mr Iemma has catapulted NSW which used to be a world leader in HIV, AIDS awareness behind African countries. When the next election comes I hope people will see him for what he is, a visionless apeaser of wowsers who lacks the balls to make a difference.

Erica Red