Re: Registered sex worker in a complex of only 23 units

1 – The complex:

a)There are 6 buildings, access is open and easily available from the street all around.

b) For that building there are 4 entry stairwells of 3 levels (gr, first and second) and a unit each side. They directly face another building in this complex.

c) Entry into the stairwell is via an intercom/buzzer at all 4.

d) One illegal brothel operator was in another stairwell and installed a security camera in their front entry but the sole operator relies on the buzzer and a conversation before unlocking the door. 

2 – A ‘business’.

In Canberra there are 2 approved locations for a brothel – Fyshwick and Mitchell. Sole operator brothels are permitted outside those areas if registered etc. This registration is about to be removed but there are other legislative requirements. 

3 – How do we know about the operator

The EC committee members were told she was registered and operating when a complaint was made to the EC about men wandering around at all hours asking for directions. Or men rushing with head down to entry door or men avoiding eye contact when coming in and out or the front porch light of one operator was on when open for business or the red blind placed in the window facing the road or the men waiting in the driveway for their booked time.

4 – Hazardous waste

 I shall ask Access Canberra what is in place given we have a residential shared bin arrangement.

5 – Did this encourage other operators

Its likely with her operating for the last year that is what encouraged 3 more units to ‘open for business’ plus a drug dealer was here for a period of time and late last year we had escorts who were picked up and dropped off – so off-site visits were on offer too. According to the newspapers they were Chinese/ HongKong Chinese and Thai.

6 – Who lives here

Families live in that building or facing that building across common property, a short term rental business operates mainly for visitors and the ANU often puts first year uni students here. The short term rentals are old and run down but some of the units in there and around have been nicely renovated. 

7 – Laws may not help

I guess we come up with our own solution. The complex nearby has become a gated community and we are looking at doing the same. Security cameras have been installed in part of our complex and we are looking to install them in other areas.