Summary Offences Act

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (14:52): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Attorney-General on the topic of the Summary Offences Act.

Leave granted.

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON: On 29 July 2023, The Advertiser reported on a blitz on brothels across Australia which uncovered women working illegally in what were described as appalling conditions. The Advertiser reported that criminal syndicates were sourcing sex slaves from countries, including Japan. The Australian Border Force raids on brothels in five states, including South Australia and one territory, found six women suspected of being exploited at the hands of their bosses, and another believed to have been trafficked by a crime gang for sex.

Under the Summary Offences Act 1953, the maximum penalty for keeping or managing a brothel for a first offence is $1,250 or three months' imprisonment and, for a subsequent offence, $2,500 or six months' imprisonment. My question to the Attorney-General is: will the minister look at strengthening the penalties for operating brothels in South Australia in order to act as a deterrent and protect women from being trafficked?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:53): No.