By Shaun Inguanzo
A MOBILE billboard advertising ‘Hot Pussy’ in Dandenong could lead to a State Government crackdown on how the sex industry promotes itself.
In December 2007, the Maxwell Street legal brothel, Club Visions, changed its name to Hot Pussy and began an advertising campaign that involved driving a mobile billboard with its name and logo around Greater Dandenong.
Despite criticism and complaints, the brothel says it is doing nothing illegal and will continue its mobile billboard campaign, prompting local politicians to look at regulating sex industry advertisements.
The City of Greater Dandenong Council, as well as the State Government, remain powerless because the brothel is a legitimate business, and there is no law preventing the driving around of mobile billboards.
The council can fine businesses that park mobile billboards on roadsides, but can not do so if they are on the move.
Dandenong Ward councillor Jim Memeti this week told Star he had received complaints about the Hot Pussy billboard, including a grandmother whose primary school aged grandson had seen it during the day.
“Her grandson had seen it and asked her ‘granny, what does that mean?’,” Cr Memeti said.
Both the brothel and industry peak body, the Australian Adult Entertainment Industry (AAEI), have defended the advertisement.
Hot Pussy owner, Rex, who would not give his surname to Star, said the advertising had worked and he would continue the mobile billboard campaign.
AAEI spokesman William Albon said the advertisement’s controversy was ‘in the eye of the beholder’.
“If people are really worried they can go off to the Advertising Standards Bureau,” he said.
“The grandma probably had the obligation to be responsible and explain to her grandson that the business is a lawful entity, and it is a legal operation, and that legal brothels have an extremely valuable role in the community.”
Dandenong MP John Pandazopoulos and State Opposition Upper House MP Gordon Rich-Phillips each said that it may be time the State Government looked at stricter controls on sex industry advertisements.
Mayor John Kelly said he was writing to the Premier John Brumby urging him to crack down on not only mobile billboards, but static billboards such as the one above Lonsdale Street that ‘greets’ people to Dandenong with impotence pill or adult store advertisements.
Meanwhile, the City of Greater Dandenong is urging residents who spot mobile billboards parked in the city to immediately contact local laws officers by calling 9239 5100.
What are your thoughts on sex industry advertisements in Greater Dandenong? Send your comments to editor@starnewsgroup.com.au, or to The Editor, Greater Dandenong Star, PO Box 9, Pakenham, VIC, 3810.
