Melbourne decides against illegal brothel strategy

By Staff Writer

Following a meeting with the Municipial Association of Victoria (MAV), Melbourne City Council has decided against using private investigators again to help shut down illegal brothels.

The council halted the practice months ago of paying private investigators to have sex in illegal brothels, as part of gathering evidence in the bid to close them down.

The meeting was convened to discuss enforcement against illegal brothels, following revelations there had been a resurgence of large illegal brothels, employing several sex workers in prominent Melbourne city locations.

The council will consult the Victorian Government about possible changes to the Prostitution Control Act.

In January, governmentnews.com.au reported that the City of Yarra had hired private investigators six times in the past two years to gather evidence about the illegal brothels.