NSW Premier Mike Baird has signalled possible state government intervention in response to allegations that ratepayers are funding undercover operatives to have sex with prostitutes to help build a legal case for the closure of brothels.
Fairfax Media on Sunday revealed 10 Sydney councils had hired the same 60-year-old man to sleep with sex workers to help strengthen their legal standing in cases against brothel barons.
Mr Baird said local governments have power to close brothels but the state government was "examining further options".
"I understand this is an issue the community is concerned about and that is why we are consulting with a range of stakeholders, including industry employees, sex worker associations and members of the community impacted by brothels and the sex industry," Mr Baird said.
