Presumption of innocence not absolute

As a member of parliament he is part of the privileged group of people that shapes our country. Parliament sets not only our economic policies but also directs our social and normative compass. It defines the values by which a society is to be judged by the rest of the world and future generations. Special power brings special responsibilities.

Prostitution is exploitative. No woman freely chooses to be a prostitute. Members of Parliament should be devising social and welfare policies to assist prostitutes get out of the practice, as opposed to supporting the industry.

The fact that a person would use other people's money to pay for sex is worse than criminal and exposes a deep character deficiency.

If the Fair Work allegations are true, Thomson must leave parliament. The fact that a systematic and seemingly exhaustive inquiry has led to these allegations, makes it inappropriate for Thomson to resume his place in Parliament unless and until he disproves the allegations at least to the satisfaction of Parliament.

The onus of proof is now on Thomson. Anything other than a detailed, persuasive innocent rebuttal of the allegations in the Fair Work report when he addresses Parliament must see him removed from Parliament.

Any other approach is a repudiation of a core tenet of an ethical community – and this should not be compromised even for imperative of 'clinging to power'.