About Us

The Prostitution Licensing Authority (PLA)

The Prostitution Licensing Authority (PLA) was established by the Prostitution Act 1999. The PLA officially began operation on 1 July 2000 when the Prostitution Act became law in Queensland. The Authority had its inaugural meeting on 6 July 2000.

Membership

The Prostitution Act prescribes the membership of the PLA, which must include:

• the chair – an independent, respected member of the community nominated by the Premier
• the commissioner of police, or a police officer of at least the rank of superintendent nominated by the commissioner
• the chairperson, or the assistant commissioner, crime, of the Crime and Misconduct Commission
• a doctor who has at least five years’ experience in community health
• a lawyer who has been admitted for at least five years and has knowledge of or experience in administrative law, company law or criminal law
• a senior representative of the LGAQ
• two people who, in the Minister's opinion, are qualified to represent community interests.

The current members of the PLA are:

• Mr Manus Boyce QC, Chairman
• Assistant Commissioner Peter Barron
• Mr John Callanan
• Mr Lance Pollard
• Dr Diane Rowling
• Councillor Ann Bennison
• Ms Annette Murphy
• Ms Wendy Edmond