Kings Cross in Sydney is an ideal place for those looking to experience what it would be like to work a few hours on their backs or even on all fours.
So not to be outdone by the news of a decade long revamping of an industrialised estate such as Green Square, Lord Mayor Lucy Turnbull refloats the desire or perhaps wish to clean up the seedy spot of the Cross.
Among the details of the plans is the future refusal of new sex retailers opening up within seventy-five metres of another establishment. In the current state of things it's not entirely impossible to stop off at a brothel, wait around in the adjacent adult book shop for a breather and then pop into yet another brothel for the next dimly lit experience of sadness.
The proposed plans look more like keeping the current businesses in good health for both their employees and the return customer base than in shifting the stained stigma the public have toward that part of the city.
Like gagging and choking on the rubbers handed out indiscriminately, forced protection of the industry will only work if the workers want it to.
Written on Wednesday, 25 June 2003