City Yet to Take Stance on Proposed Prostitution Control Laws

Following reports in the local press stating the City had thrown its support behind moves to regulate WA’s sex industry, the City would like to confirm that the issue has not yet been discussed by Council and, therefore, no formal position had been reached.

Mayor Katherine Jackson said the proposed new laws, which would give local councils planning approval powers for brothels and escort agencies, would still need to be discussed by Elected Members before deciding whether the City was for or against the laws. “Residents and ratepayers can be assured we will inform them when Council discusses the issue and keep them up to date on the progress of the proposed legislation,” she said.

Strategic Urban Planning Director Craig McClure said in statements to the press, the City had simply stated the facts of the matter, including that the City of Melville had already taken steps to control the development of brothels in the city.   “In 1999, we introduced a provision into our Town Planning Scheme pertaining to restricted premises, which includes brothels,” he said. “The provision states that restricted premises can only be considered in an industrial area at the discretion of Council. The issue is currently subject to review in preparation of Local Planning Scheme No. 6.”

Mr McClure said the new legislation would more clearly define the role of local government in determining where such premises are located as well as the planning and health criteria under which any application would be assessed before any approval could be granted. “The City of Melville, like other local governments, is duly bound by law to regulate activity and development within the municipality,” he said.