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MELBOURNE - Victorian Premier Steve Bracks has defended the state's prostitution laws after it was revealed private investigators were having sex with prostitutes to prove the case against illegal brothels.
Legal confusion over how much evidence is needed before a court has forced at least six Melbourne councils
to send in private investigators to buy sex at illegal brothels.
Although state government began reviewing the Prostitution Control Act last year Mr Bracks said current legislation is adequate.
"I don't think it's a toothless tiger. The law is strong and robust and available for prosecution," he said.
"Whether they (the councils) have to go to the full extent that is suggested I think really is a matter that they need legal advice on.
"What evidence is presented for a case to be successful really is a matter that they need to take their own legal advice on."
Municipal Association of Victoria president Dick Gross said councils had to go to the extreme measures because the current legal requirements to prove the brothels were illegal were confusing.
"Local government has to give two days' notice before an authorised officer enters into one of these premises," he said.
"So we have to use private investigators, and there's legal controversy as to the current legal requirements (of proof).
"Some lawyers say sexual services have to be provided. One case in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court failed because the investigator had not had sex.
"My council (Port Phillip City Council) has been provided with advice that is different -- that they ought not to accept an illegal service because it might contaminate the evidence."
One private investigator, who was not identified, told Southern Cross Radio receiving sexual services while investigating illegal brothels is "just another job".
"It's completely anonymous. We are undercover operators.
"We go inside the premises (and say) 'Hi, how are you?' and all this, and we have done it so many times that the girls feel relaxed with us.
"The girl is naked. The investigator is naked. You receive an oil massage and, at the end of it, you receive hand relief and that's it."
Mr Gross said the other government agencies responsible for policing illegal brothels had abandoned their responsibilities.
Mr Gross said the state government must clarify the legal requirements of the Prostitution Control Act and clarify what evidence was needed to successfully prosecute illegal brothels and close them down.
- AAP
