Many people have asked why I have always voted against all brothels. In all honesty, it is not because of some religious conviction, but simply the protection of women from violence.

Yes, despite the fact that there are some women who choose to become working girls, they are human beings and deserve protection from violence and harm. So, it came as no surprise that one day there would be a proposal for a brothel that features significant security measures to address this.

Parramatta received its very first proposal for a brothel to protect their working girls. The proposal was to incorporate what is in effect a panic room inside a brothel. This panic room was to be centrally located in this brothel so that the working girls can seek refuge in the case of any of them being under attack from any of their customers.

For those unfamiliar with what is a panic room, it is a secure reinforced room on the premises where people can seek refuge inside from any attackers. Such a room, when secured from the inside, provides its occupants protection from harm from their attackers, and may provide them with communication devices in order to seek assistance from the police or contracted security personnel.

Unfortunately, under NSW Disorderly Houses Act (state legislation) that was passed in 1995, this law decriminalised prostitution and brothels and allows for such panic rooms to be installed in order to facilitate the trade of prostitution. Not surprisingly, when presented to Parramatta City Councillors to vote, the recommendation was for approval for such a panic room in an existing brothel because it was legal.

As to date a 10 year campaigner against the Pandora’s Box effect of this 1995 NSW state law, this proposal was simply confirmation that regulating brothels and prostitution the way that it does only makes things worse, not better.

Originally leading a minority position against the approval of such a panic room as well as the expansion of this brothel, I led the argument that if passed, the majority of Parramatta City Councillors would be putting women in harm’s way, effectively encouraging violence towards women.

Thankfully, after two days and rounds of voting, Parramatta City Councillors were given the encouragement needed to refuse this proposal. I am confident that the wives and girlfriends these Councillors and the women of Parramatta would be proud of their decision.

Click here for a summary of how Parramatta Councillors voted on Brothel Development Applications.