Family First’s South Australian Upper House candidate, Deepa Mathew, has slammed the rise of “pop-up brothels” in Adelaide short-stay rentals as yet another warning sign against the decriminalisation of prostitution.
Commenting on reports published this week about prostitution rings operating out of inner-city apartments to avoid detection, Ms Mathew said it is clear that decriminalisation would only expand the reach of criminal networks and expose more women to exploitation.
“Prostitution is not empowerment. It is exploitation,” Ms Mathew said.
“This story reveals what many already know: the sex trade thrives in the shadows, preys on the vulnerable, and brings violence and organised crime into our neighbourhoods.”
The Strata Community Association has reported a surge in complaints from apartment residents about short-stay rentals being used as brothels and theft hubs, including incidents involving fire escapes used to sneak in men and a machete attack in one apartment building.
Ms Mathew said the Labor and Greens’ push to fully decriminalise prostitution in South Australia would legitimise this criminal activity, making it harder for police and communities to intervene.
“We should not be encouraging pimps and traffickers by giving them a free pass under the law,” she said.
“What’s needed is a bold shift in focus – we must penalise the buyers, not the women.”
Ms Mathew renewed Family First’s call for South Australia to adopt the Nordic model, which criminalises the purchase of sex while decriminalising those trapped in prostitution.
“This approach sends a clear message: women are not for sale. It deters demand, undermines organised crime, and provides a path out for those who want to escape this life.”
Ms Mathew also noted that the link between short-stay rentals and prostitution highlights a deeper housing issue, where profit is prioritised over safety and community wellbeing.
“Instead of protecting women, the decriminalisation lobby protects men who want to buy them. South Australians must reject this dangerous path.”
Family First will continue to fight for policies that restore dignity to women, keep communities safe, and uphold the values that make society strong.
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