Statement of Affairs

The Freedom of information Act 1992 requires each agency to provide a statement of affairs which describes the arrangements in place in the agency to provide public access to information it contains.

Issued in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1992.

Download the printable version of the	Statement of Affairs - 2007	32 KB
	Statement of Affairs - 2008	49 KB
	Statement of Affairs - 2009	50 KB

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Introduction

This document provides an overview of the structure, functions and operation of the Prostitution Licensing Authority (PLA). It also contains information related to the community’s right of access to documents held by the PLA.

Structure and function

The PLA is a statutory body established by the Prostitution Act 1999. The PLA is governed by an eight-member board appointed by Governor-in-Council under the Prostitution Act and supported by staff headed by the Executive Director. The PLA reports to the Minister for Police and the Parliament.

In broad terms the PLA is responsible for implementing the Prostitution Act. The core business of the PLA is to decide applications for brothel licences and managers’ certificates. The Prostitution Act outlines a range of other functions the PLA fulfil with regard to prostitution regulation in Queensland.

Effects of PLA activities on the community

PLA activities contribute significantly to the regulation of prostitution in Queensland, leading to increased health and safety for sex workers and improved health in the wider community.

The decision to grant or reject brothel licence and manager’s certificate application ensures that only suitable people are in control of licensed brothels. The disciplinary functions of the PLA ensure that high standards of sexual health, workplace health and safety and hygiene are maintained in licensed brothels.

The investigation of applications for a brothel licence or manager’s certificate can affect individuals in that the PLA requires applicants to provide us with information relevant to the application.

The PLA is not a prosecuting authority. Where our inquiries reveal a criminal offence or an offence under the Prostitution Act, we refer the incident to an appropriate prosecuting authority such as the Queensland Police Service for such proceedings as they consider are warranted.

Community participation in PLA policy formulation

While there is no formal mechanism to provide for the participation of individuals in the formulation of PLA policies, we welcome feedback from the community about our policies and about how we exercise our functions. The PLA will consider these views, and may correspond with individuals or groups about specific policies, but we are not obliged to do so.

Members of the community or staff of public agencies are free to contact the PLA by telephone, fax or email (see contact details below).

Documents held by the PLA

Documents held by the PLA can be divided into three broad categories:

Library holdings

• Monographs
• Subscriptions
• Loose leaf collection
• Audio-visual material
• News clippings.

These documents are available for inspection at the PLA free of charge. You can make arrangements to view these documents by contacting the PLA by telephone, fax or email.

General documents

• Records relating to brothel licence and manager’s certificate applications
• Records relating to licensed brothels
• Financial records, annual budget papers and other administrative records
• Human resource records such as personal interest declarations, pay or leave records and work appraisal records relating to PLA staff
• Information held on various databases
• Minutes and records of PLA meetings and procedures
• The Finance and Administration Manual.

The majority of the general documents collected or produced by the PLA are sensitive documents and the Prostitution Act prevents their disclosure. Section 137 of the Prostitution Act states that the Freedom of Information Act 1992 does not apply to a document given to or produced by the PLA for the purposes of the Prostitution Act.

Public documents

• Handbook for Approved Managers of Licensed Brothels
• Annual reports for the PLA
• Client Service Charter
• Fact sheets
• The PLA Privacy Plan
• The PLA Strategic Plan
• The PLA Code of Conduct
• Complaints Policy
• Guidelines about the approved form for advertisements for prostitution
• The Licence and Certificate Register (a person may inspect the register and, on payment of a fee, take extracts or copies of particulars in the register).

Apart from the Licence and Certificate Register, these public documents are available from the PLA free of charge and can be obtained by making contact with the PLA by telephone, fax or email. Some of these documents are also available on the PLA website www.pla.qld.gov.au. You may also be able to find our publications at libraries throughout the State.

Bodies established to advise the PLA

The PLA is not advised by a board, council or committee.

Accessing and seeking amendment to PLA documents

Access to PLA public documents may be obtained by contacting the PLA by telephone, fax or email or through the PLA website www.pla.qld.gov.au.

The Prostitution Act requires any applicant for a brothel licence or manager’s certificate to notify the PLA within 10 days after becoming aware of any change in information they have provided to the PLA. Notification must be made in writing.

The Freedom of Information Act does not apply to documents given to or produced by the PLA for the purposes of the Prostitution Act.

All correspondence relating to applications under the Freedom of Information Act should be made to the Executive Director of the PLA and lodged personally at the Office of the PLA, by post or by fax (see below for contact details). An application should:

• Identify the information or document to which the application refers
• Provide as much detail as possible about the information or document
• Indicate the type of access required, e.g. supply of copies or personal inspection
• Include a written authority if another person or organisation is requesting access to documents on your behalf.

Photocopying charges may apply for each A4 size page.

Contacting the PLA

The PLA can be contacted by using any of the methods listed on our Contact Us page.