Sex work to be decriminalised, regulated in Qld in major industry overhaul

Sex work will be decriminalised in a fourth Australian jurisdiction in a move one politician says is critical to improving workers’ safety.

Sex work will be decriminalised in Queensland after a lengthy campaign by sex workers, politicians and activists.

7 News said the laws would be reworked in order to protect the safety and welfare of workers.

Under existing state laws, only licensed brothels are legal and sex workers must work alone, while decriminalisation will legalise sex work to be undertaken at homes, massage parlours and escort agencies, subject to regulations.

Speaking to 7 News, Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said regulation was crucial for sex workers’ safety.

Queensland Attorney-General Shannon Fentiman said regulation was crucial to protect the safety and wellbeing of sex workers. Picture: Dan Peled/ NCA NewsWire

“Current laws stigmatise sex workers, it increases their vulnerability to exploitation and violence,” Ms Fentiman said on Sunday.

“We need to bring sex work out of the dark and properly regulate the industry particularly for the safety of workers.”

In August 2021, Ms Fentiman made a formal referral to the Queensland Law Reform Commission to review the laws and investigate avenues of reform.

Across Australia, sex work has been decriminalised in NSW, Victoria and the Northern Territory and is legalised in Queensland, Tasmania and the ACT; however, strict provisions apply.