By Brendan Rees
Illegal brothels are “plaguing” Casey, putting people at risk of disease, and threatening the wellbeing and safety of women – with the issue only being “handballed,” says an Adult Entertainment Industry spokesman.
It comes as Casey Council confirmed it had received four complaints of illegal brothels in the past three months, all of which were referred to Victoria Police.
The Australian Adult Entertainment Industry (AAEI) says police “need to get serious” about curbing the illegal industry.
“Illegal brothel activity is now so rife, it is completely out of control and the blame lays at the feet of Victoria Police,” AAEI spokesman William Albon said.
Mr Albon – whose group is the owners of legal brothels and escort agencies – said at least four illegal brothels were operating in Narre Warren and Hampton Park with one close to a kindergarten and church.
“Until such time as the police prosecute an owner operator of an illegal brothel, get a penalty including incarceration and hefty fine and asset confiscation – will you have a message of deterrence,” he said.
According to Mr Albon, police have “handballed” the problem of illegal brothels, allegedly arguing it was an offence against planning law and “so councils had to act.”
“Councils were active. But their action could only be brought against the owner of the land, who was rarely if ever, the operator of the illegal brothel.”
He said the amendment to the Sex Work Act made the police the sole agency that could bring a prosecution before a court – which has seen the establishment of the Victoria Police Sex Industry Coordination Unit.
Casey Council statutory planning and building services manager Duncan Turner said: “Council do not investigate these matters as the legislation requires police to undertake investigations into such reports.”
Mr Albon said his group visited one of the alleged illegal brothels on a Saturday last December where a man posed as a customer.
“We learned how many women were working at the business,” he said. “We were told we could discuss services with the women in the room.”
In a statement, a Victoria Police said police targeted suspected illegal brothels based on an assessment of intelligence received.
“For operational reasons, we will not provide commentary around the specific areas or establishments we are investigating,” it said.
“There is nothing to indicate that one area has any more illegal brothels than any one area.
“Police take all allegations of illegal sex work seriously and encourage anyone who suspects they know of an illegal brothel to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
