Dec 15, Uncategorized 0 comments. The illegal sex trade is rife in Queensland โ and nowhere more so than the Gold Coast, with more than 30 illicit brothels revealed in a Bulletin special report.
Illegal sex work is a crime on the rise on the Gold Coast. But the Gold Coast is home to a large number of massage parlours, offering rough trade that can negatively impact the lives of young women, by exploiting them and failing to provide adequate protection for workers. It is illegal in Queensland to conduct sex work through escort agencies, unlicensed brothels, massage parlours, public solicitation, or street working. A Bulletin investigation reveals there are dozens of illegal brothels masquerading as massage parlours across the Gold Coast.
The investigation looked at reviews for Gold Coast massage parlours on the internet and found 31 of them were alleged to be offering sexual services. The association commissioned a confidential private investigator to probe illegal prostitution on the Gold Coast.
Brothels are heavily regulated according to Ms Pfeifer with her business required to meet guidelines and the Prostitution Act, face yearly audits and random police checks. Ms Pfeifer said brothels are only allowed to operate in industrial areas away from schools, playgrounds and childcare centres. Only one sign is allowed on the outside of the building and it must be under a certain size and must be attached to the building with no flashing, or red lights.
Ms Pfeifer said illegal sex work was dangerous to the community and her business jumps through hoops to keep people safe. Brothel workers go through sexually transmitted infections STI education to spot signs and symptoms, organisations like RESPECT help support brothel staff in needed and employees are required to have photo ID and a current sexual health certificate when working. According to a Gold Coast Health spokesperson STIs are dangerous when untested because they can be present even without symptoms.
