By Tate Papworth
Private investigators will be hired to smash Brimbank’s illegal sex trade.
The investigators will be employed to enter alleged illegal establishments with the intent of gathering evidence that proves sexual services are being provided.
Brimbank council endorsed the bold plan at its recent May meeting.
It is believed up to 14 illegal brothels are operating within the muncipality.
Mayor Lucinda Congreve first raised the issue at the council’s February meeting, stating it was a pressing issue across the community.
Last week she said the operation of illegal brothels had been an “ongoing conversation with us since we were elected”.
“Some of the primary concerns are the number – over 14 that I know of are allegedly operating – and the locations.
“They’re across the road from schools, they’re in main streets, they’re across the road from parks. Some are in residential homes.”
Cr Congreve said there are a number of concerns with the alleged establishments.
“Many of them are fronts – including people being asked to do sex acts that they’re not comfortable with, trafficking of sex workers, drugs, other illegal activities like money laundering etc.”
A council officer investigation into possible options to deal with illegal brothels recommended a collaborative approach with other agencies and requesting more police resourcing rather than investigators.
But Cr Congreve said the problem needed tough action and recommended an alternative motion to hire private investigaors.
“We have evidence that other councils … that by employing independent investigators, they had managed to close down 14 illegal brothels,” she said. “If we maintain the status quo we maintain the results we’re getting now.”
Cr Margaret Giudice spoke against the motion and questioned the effectiveness of the option.
“We are not law and order,” she said.
Private investigators would cost $36,000 annually. Cr Congreve said if it led to the closure of multiple illegal brothels, it would be money well spent.
