Sex work laws in Australia in 2025
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Sex work laws in Australia are complex and vary significantly between states and territories. This resource contains information for sex workers on sex work laws around Australia, by state. It is not intended to be legal advice. Here's a general overview:
Key Regulatory Models:
- Decriminalization:
- Sex work is treated as any other legal business.
- Most criminal penalties are removed.
- Examples: New South Wales, Northern Territory, Victoria, and most recently Queensland.
- Legalization:
- Sex work is legal but regulated.
- Licensing and permits are often required.
- Example: Australian Capital Territory.
- Abolitionism:
- The sale of sex itself is not illegal, but related activities like brothel keeping and pimping are criminalized.
- Examples: Tasmania, Western Australia, and South Australia.
State/Territory Breakdown:
- New South Wales:
- Decriminalized.
- Relatively liberal laws.
- Brothels are legal, subject to local council regulations.
- Street-based sex work is permitted with restrictions.
- Victoria:
- Decriminalized.
- Similar to NSW, with a focus on treating sex work as a regular industry.
- Street based sex work is legal with restrictions.
- Queensland:
- Recently Decriminalised.
- removal of most criminal penalties associated with sex work and abolishing the brothel licensing systems.
- Northern Territory:
- Decriminalized.
- Brothels and soliciting are legal, with restrictions near schools and childcare centres.
- Australian Capital Territory:
- Legalized.
- Brothels are legal with licensing.
- Private sex work is legal if conducted alone.
- South Australia:
- Abolitionist framework.
- The sale of sex is not illegal, but associated activities are criminalized.
- Street-based sex work is illegal.
- Western Australia:
- Abolitionist framework.
- Similar to South Australia, with restrictions on brothels and related activities.
- Tasmania:
- Abolitionist framework.
- Similar to South Australia and Western Australia.
Important Notes:
- In all jurisdictions, child prostitution is illegal.
- Laws regarding pimping and related activities vary.
- Local council regulations can further impact the operation of sex work businesses.
- It is important to remember that laws are subject to change, and it is best to consult with legal professionals for the most up to date information.
If you have any further questions about the information outlined in this guide or for questions about sex work law changes, please get in touch with Scarlet Alliance for advice and support.
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