By ANEEKA SIMONIS
IT APPEARS Pakenham’s alleged swingers aren’t the only ones trying to keep their business under wraps.
Now, almost three months after the launch of Cardinia Shire Council’s investigation into the rumoured sex house, council continues to decline to answer questions about its probe.
Council’s veil of secrecy around the investigation is so extensive, that they will not even reveal what it is they are investigating.
On a number of occasions, the News has made efforts to understand how the investigation was progressing, asking non-prejudicial questions about the inquiry, including which local laws are suspected to have been breached as part of the alleged swinger operation.
Yet council has flatly refused to provide this information as well as an estimated deadline for the release of the findings, how many people have been interviewed in relation to the alleged operation or what penalties may be handed down to those involved.
In fact, the News cannot even confirm if the rumoured sex operation has been shut down as council refuses to answer questions about whether the suspected house is still up for use.
Council’s manager for Development and Compliance Services Brett Jackson argued that their tight-lipped approach was standard practice, likening the process to that used by other investigating authorities such as police.
“Council, like all investigating authorities, does not comment on current investigations to ensure they are not compromised. The investigation into this matter is continuing, and due to its nature, it may take some time to conclude,” he said.
However, it is standard practice for police to issue basic information about investigations including the nature of suspected offences.
But as it stands, the council cover up has generated more questions than answers, leaving no indication of a ruling anytime soon.
The swinger scandal was first brought to light in July this year after a neighbour raised the alarm on the suspected sex house which attracted increased traffic into the street over weekends.
It is unclear how long the alleged parties were in operation, however the News understands participants were charged a door fee – with single men charged $80 in comparison to single women who were able to take part for free.
Couples were charged $30.
It is believed the door rates may have been unlawfully obtained if the business, operating in a residential area, was not registered – however council cannot confirm this information.
The News will continue to question council for details about the swinger probe, including details surrounding the process.
