Brothels could open ‘next to Myer on Malop’ as part of decriminalisation of sex work

Industry insiders claim the relaxing of sex work laws has emboldened an “open slather” approach to illegal trade in Geelong, with red light districts set to pop up across the city.

Sex work reforms that come into affect in Victoria in December 2023 will allow for brothels and sex services to be offered legally across much of Geelong.

Industry insiders claim the relaxing of sex work laws has emboldened an “open slather” approach to illegal trade in Geelong, with red light districts set to pop up across the city.

Legitimate brothels and sex dens could soon be opened next to boutique cafes, schools and kindergartens in suburban streets when the second phase of the state government’s new sex law reforms come into effect.

Street-based sex work is no longer an offence after the first stage of the Sex Work Decriminalisation Act 2022 was rolled out in May, and independent or small owner-operator services will no longer be required to register with the business licence authority from December.

Massage parlours currently offering illegal sex services in Geelong will be able to do so legally from December 1. Photo: Alan Barber

Australian Adult Entertainment Industry spokesman William Albon said the widespread reforms encouraged massage parlours offering illegal sex services to become more brazen “knowing it will be all systems go from December”.

“Everyone of Geelong’s main streets where the land is zoned commercial can have a brothel (from December 1),” he said.

“As many rooms as they want, owned by whoever they like, able to serve alcohol right next to Myer in Malop street.

“This has emboldened a whole lot of people already.”

Former Geelong escort Melanie (not her real name), told the Geelong Advertiser while some legitimate sex workers would benefit from the new reforms, she expected the negative effects to be stark.

Some of the reforms will benefit sex workers, according to a former Geelong escort. Picture: Mark Wilson

Sex workers who wish to operate from their own home or rented apartment will be able to do so legally “in the same way a hairdresser can”.

“For the mum that is desperate for a bit of extra income, it’s a good thing,” she said.

“But I think it’s more dangerous with some of the clients that will be coming and going.

“We don’t need Johns (clients) walking in and around family homes into establishments around schools and churches do we?

“I think it is opening the floodgates to an already perilous system. It will be open slather and sex den city.”

There are currently three legal brothels operating in Geelong, including Lorraine Starr and 69 Relaxation on Malop Street, and Ultimates of North Shore on Seaside Parade.

Lorraine Starr on Malop St is one of three legal brothels currently operating in Geelong. Picture: Mark Wilson

Ratepayers Victoria vice president, Dean Hurlston, said the full repeal of the Sex Work Act 1994 would take the power away from the City of Greater Geelong to act on “understandable concerns” from residents who object to prostitution “right next door”.

“There will be no rights of objection, no rights to remove sex work being permitted in areas where families and kids don't want it to be around like schools, kindergartens and playgrounds,” he said.

“Basically there could be red light districts pop up in places they’ve never been.

“Sex operations could be set up right next to you, and there will be absolutely nothing you can do about it.”

Sex industry spokesman William Albon.

A Victoria Police spokesman said it is still an offence to operate a commercial sex work business without an appropriate licence until stage two begins.

“Victoria Police is supporting its members to ensure they’re prepared and adapt to these changes before they come into effect,” he said.

Street-based sex work was now legal in most circumstances, but officers would respond if it is occurring near school, education, care services or places of worship outside of permitted times.

“We have also developed a suite of resources to ensure members understand their changed role and how to appropriately engage with sex workers and manage community concerns,” the spokesman.

Originally published as Brothels could open ‘next to Myer on Malop’ as part of decriminalisation of sex work