Key says smacking law working

John Key is playing his cards close to his chest on smacking.

The Prime Minister is taking proposals to Cabinet tomorrow, aimed at offering comfort to parents in the wake of the smacking referendum's resounding "no" vote.

He says the issue needs to be kept in proportion and he is still convinced the law as it stands is working.

Mr Key told TVNZ's Q & A programme he will stick to his commitment to make sure good parents are not treated badly.

He says they need to feel certain they will not be taken to task by police or Child, Youth and Family.

The lobby group Family First says several Cabinet members supported the campaign against the anti-smacking laws when they were in opposition.

It says they should now be speaking up on behalf of families, and demanding a response to the referendum outcome.

- Newstalk ZB