The LGAQ is the peak body representing local government in its dealings with other governments, unions, business and the community. It aims to promote the efficient performance of local government in Queensland.

http://www.lgaq.asn.au

The QPS operates the Prostitution Enforcement Taskforce, a dedicated unit that is responsible for:

• investigating illegal prostitution and adult entertainment
• protecting sex workers and adult entertainers against exploitation, threats, violence and other criminal offences
• protecting the community from any public nuisance associated with prostitution and adult entertainment
• safeguarding against corruption and organised crime.

http://www.police.qld.gov.au

All Queensland legislation is accessible from a single web page, hosted by the Queensland Parliamentary Council. The Prostitution Act 1999 can be found by following the directions on the web page.

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au

The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) is responsible for:

• promoting the economic development of the liquor industry within a socially responsible framework.
• maintaining the integrity and probity of the gambling industry and ensuring that, on balance, the state and the community benefit from gambling.
• maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the racing industry.

http://www.olgr.qld.gov.au

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is part of the Department of Environment and Resource Management and is responsible for managing climate change and protecting the environment.

http://www.epa.qld.gov.au

Queensland Health provides a range of services aimed at achieving good health and well-being for all Queenslanders. Through a network of Health Service Districts and the Mater Hospitals, Queensland Health delivers a range of integrated services including hospital inpatient, outpatient and emergency services, community and mental health services, aged care services and public health and health promotion programs.

http://www.health.qld.gov.au

Workplace Health and Safety is part of the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. It is responsible for Workplace Health and Safety policy.

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au   or   http://www.justice.qld.gov.au

WorkCover Queensland is the main provider of workers compensation insurance to Queensland employers.

http://www.workcoverqld.com.au

Wageline is an awards and wages information service provided by the Queensland Government.

http://www.wageline.qld.gov.au

The Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) was established under the provisions of the Crime and Misconduct Act 2001 (Qld).  The CMC combats major crime, raises public sector integrity and protects witnesses. The CMC also offers a range of services, such as research, intelligence and surveillance, unequalled by any other organisation in Australia. The CMC is where Queenslanders can bring any serious concerns they might have about the misconduct of public officials.

http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au

The Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland is an independent statutory authority responsible for administering the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991. It can be illegal to treat people unfairly because of their:

• sex relationship or parental status;
• race;
• age;
• impairment;
• religious or political beliefs;
• union activities;
• gender identity;
• sexuality;
• lawful sex work;
• pregnancy;
• breast feeding; or
• family responsibilities.

Are you a sex worker, interested in leaving the sex industry, or just in exploring what alternate work opportunities might be available?

Queensland Health funds BSIL Southern Edge to provide an exit and retraining program for sex workers. Southern Edge has offices located in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Townsville.

The program is free and confidential and targets sex industry workers and those who are likely to enter or re-enter the industry across Queensland. Individuals training needs are assessed, and services cover living skills training, literacy and numeracy skills development as well as accredited vocational training. Southern Edge provides career transition and employment training programs and involves the provision of one-on-one career counselling and assistance. The program consists of competency based modules covering basic computer skills, resume writing, job search training, interview techniques, job preparation and basic first aid.

Support and referral to other agencies for specific problems unrelated to employment, such as drugs and alcohol, is also provided.

Post-placement support is also provided as part of the program.

Participants in the exit and retraining program have been employed in a range of sectors, including hospitality, education, retail, travel, and health.

Would you like further information about this program? Contact BSIL Southern Edge.

Telephone: 1300 784 263 or 07 3343 6222

Email: brisbane@southernedge.com.au

http://www.bsilearning.com.au

Crimson Coalition Qld (formerly SSPAN) is a network of Queensland sex workers from all sectors of the sex industry. It was formed in June 2004 and is active in representing the interests of sex workers in the state.

For further information:

Blog: http://www.crimsoncoalitionqld.blogspot.com.

Address: PO Box 2470, New Farm, Qld, 4005

Telephone: Candi on 0421 569 232

Email: crimsoncoalitionqld@gmail.com

United Sex Workers North Queensland Inc. (USNQ) is a not-for-profit organisation with a membership of current and past sex workers, and is active in representing the interests of sex workers in North Queensland.

For further information:

Address: PO Box 2410, Townsville, Qld, 4810

Telephone: 0747 244 853

Email: j.kneipp@optusnet.com.au

UQ's Human Trafficking Working Group has launched a website providing background, case reports, publications and presentations on human trafficking in Australia.

The website forms part of a collaborative research project by The University of Queensland 's TC Beirne School of Law and The University of British Columbia Faculty of Law and Centre of International Relations on the phenomenon of trafficking persons, exploitation of foreign workers in the sex industry and other forms of forced labour in Australia and Canada.

The website provides an entry point for information on trafficking in persons to Australia and contains background documents, case reports, relevent legislation, as well as publications and presentations by the Working Group. Relavant statistics relating to trafficking prosecutions and victims of trafficking are also available.

A unique feature of the website is the first catalogue of human trafficking cases in Australia that have been prosecuted under federal or state laws. Each case report features a summary of the events, references to official reports, and relevant media coverage of each case. Included is a summary of the case, involving a Melbourne brothel owner, Ms Wei Tang, that was appealed to the High Court of Australia in August 2008, and a comprehensive summary of the case of Keith Dobie, a Gold Coast man who in November 2008 became the first person convicted under Australia's federal trafficking offences.

The website will expand in the coming months, to include a 'media watch' site for the following currents news reports on human trafficking in Australia, analyses of prostitution laws in the Australian states and territories, and links to relevant domestic laws, international treaties, government agencies, and international organisations.

For further information, please visit www.law.uq.edu.au/humantrafficking