LGA and Minister fear council ratepayers would foot the bill for sex work decriminalisation
The Bill to decriminalise sex work has hit a snag, as the LGA questions if councils are the most appropriate body to regulate the opening of brothels.
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Fears the decriminalising of sex work will lead to brothels opening on “most-loved” main streets and a heavy burden on councils have prompted widespread objection from the local government sector.
Local Government Minister Stephan Knoll said councils and the Local Government Association raised “huge concerns” with him about how proposed law reforms would work.
The LGA has called for “clear policies” about where brothels can operate should the laws, introduced to Parliament’s Lower House last week, be passed.
It was also concerned ratepayers would foot the bill for regulation.
The Greens’ Bill is expected to be debated next month and a vote should happen by year’s end.
It passed the upper House in June, but Mr Knoll said he could not support it in its current form.
“We really need to think through the implications … especially around the idea that we could see brothels opening up and down some of our most-loved main streets and essentially asking councils to administer and govern that,” Mr Knoll said.
LGA president Sam Telfer said the association had no position on decriminalisation, but he was concerned about the cost to ratepayers.
“If Parliament does pass the proposed legislation, there will need to be clear policies developed in consultation with councils and their communities on where sex work premises should be permitted to operate,” he said.
“Any new regulatory responsibilities that are passed on to local government will have cost impacts for ratepayers, and it shouldn’t be assumed that councils are the most appropriate jurisdiction to regulate sex work activities should they become legal.”
Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans wrote to Labor MP Tung Ngo outlining her council’s concerns.
“Parliament should consider the current planning laws and their ability to manage the industry, the role of council(s) and who will safely inspect these premises and the need for the State Government to undertake a broad social impact study,” Ms Evans wrote.
Port Adelaide Enfield Council opposes the Bill over concerns it would make councils regulate prostitution, with ratepayers footing the cost.
“Councils will be forced to increase resources to ensure compliance in an area which has traditionally been the responsibility of the police,” a spokeswoman said.
“Councils would also have to fight legal battles at ratepayers’ cost against brothel owners who don’t respect conditions.”
Greens MLC Tammy Franks was contacted for comment.