Locals in Ipswich are calling for action to address loopholes in recently passed laws that permit brothels to operate and advertise in residential areas, corner stores, and shopping centres.
They voiced concerns over the possibility that numerous former corner stores could begin displaying explicit advertisements on outdoor billboards following the legalisation of home-based prostitution earlier this month.
The new legislation, which took effect on 2nd August, allows brothels to open in any commercially zoned area. In residential zones, a single-sex worker and one non-resident can operate from a house.
Last week, the council received complaints from Silkstone residents about topless women outside a former corner store now legally operating as a brothel.
Cr Paul Tully highlighted that the state legislation allows brothels to open near churches and schools and advertise on outdoor billboards. He emphasised that under the new rules, brothels could also apply to the council for extended trading hours, and while residents could lodge complaints, officers lack the power to regulate.
Mayor Teresa Harding expressed concerns about women’s safety after being informed that police would no longer be required to patrol legal brothels.
The council plans to write to Planning Minister Meaghan Scanlon and other local politicians to express its concerns about the loopholes. This is a developing situation in Ipswich as the city grapples with the implications of the new legislation.
Council is seeking to close loopholes that could enable legal brothels to use suggestive signage, such as “lunchtime specials,” “Two-for-One Tuesdays,” or “Happy Hour Discounts.”
However, council officers noted in a recent meeting that any changes to the laws to restrict legal prostitution would need to apply to all home-based businesses. They clarified that while the council could control the size of billboards, it couldn’t regulate their content.
Published Date 27-August-2024
