Residents complaints aim to force brothel out of suburban area

The City of Albany has assured Orana residents it will act on complaints after a joint investigation with police found a residential home in Orana was being used as a brothel.

Residents who live near the brothel tabled a petition of more than 70 signatures with the City last month, urging action to close the business operating from a residential property.

City of Albany chief executive Andrew Sharpe said the City had liaised with police during their investigation.

“The City has only received one complaint regarding a suspected brothel in Albany in the past 12 months,” he said.

“The City has liaised with local police and the matter has been investigated and confirmed the residence was being used as a brothel.

“This is an unauthorised use of the property and the matter is being addressed.”

It is understood there are two brothels operating in residential areas in Albany, one in Orana and the other in Spencer Park, run by different managers.

The majority of Orana residents who spoke with theAlbany Advertiser knew of the brotheloperating in their suburb and had either signed or were aware of the petition which had circulated.

Prostitution is legal in WA but living off its earnings is illegal.

Under the Criminal Code, it is illegal to manage, lease or operate a property for the purposes of prostitution.

Mr Sharpe said the City had moved to address the unauthorised use of the property.

“The City has advised the owner of the rental property that it is being used as a brothel, who has taken steps to address the issue,” he said.

“At this stage, it is in the hands of the owner to deal with, however if the use continues, the City can and will take action.

“The City of Albany has acted on two former brothels since 2013, but is currently not aware of any other operating brothels.

“If residents suspect a brothel may be operating in their area, we encourage them to contact the City of Albany.”

The State Government attempted to introduce new prostitution legislation in 2011, which sought to decriminalise prostitution and force the trade out of suburban areas but the Prostitution Bill stalled with lack of support.

The tenant of the property was approached for comment.