Government to Decriminalise Sex Work
Published Monday, 24 April, 2023 at 02:00 PM
Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Minister for Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence
The Honourable Shannon Fentiman
- A review of a decriminalised framework for the sex work industry has been completed by the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) with findings provided to Government.
- The QLRC’s recommendations provide a framework to enact a safe, decriminalised sex work industry, while improving the health, safety, rights and legal protections for workers.
- The Palaszczuk Government broadly supports the recommendations and is committed to decriminalising the sex work industry to protect the rights of all Queenslanders, while balancing the needs and expectations of the community.
- The Queensland Government will carefully consider the QLRC’s recommendations in future legislation.
An independent review of a decriminalised sex work industry in Queensland has been finalised, making 47 recommendations and providing a supportive framework for implementation.
The Palaszczuk Government has indicated its broad support for the recommendations and announced its commitment to decriminalising sex work in Queensland.
The QLRC review included extensive evidence-based research and consultation with stakeholder groups and the public, while considering laws in other Australian jurisdictions, including the Northern Territory, Victoria, New South Wales and New Zealand.
Findings note the need for a modernisation of Queensland laws and legislation surrounding the sex work industry, with the same general laws applying to businesses and workers without discrimination.
Recommendations include changes to the current licensing system and removing barriers to workers using safety strategies which are currently criminalised.
While the QLRC’s recommendations did not include regulation of the adult entertainment industry or amendments to the Liquor Act 1992, the Queensland Government will work with relevant stakeholders to consider these issues.
The Queensland Government will undertake consultation on any future legislation to implement a decriminalised framework.
A copy of the report: A decriminalised sex-work industry for Queensland is available online at: http://qlrc.qld.gov.au/publications
Published Monday, 24 April, 2023 at 02:00 PM
No. There are no immediate changes from the sex work industry review. The Queensland Government is carefully reviewing the report. Any policy changes will occur through usual government processes.
The Queensland Government is carefully reviewing the report. A copy of the report: A decriminalised sex-work industry for Queensland is available online at: http://qlrc.qld.gov.au/publications
For updates about the sex work industry review, please subscribe to the Prostitution Licensing Authority newsletter at the bottom of the page. We will let you know as the review progresses through usual government processes.
The Queensland Government is carefully reviewing the report. If the Queensland Government decides to change the law, it usually takes at least 12 months for the Bill to be drafted. After this, the Bill will be considered by the Queensland Parliament before being passed into law.
The Queensland Law Reform Commission considered submissions made by sex workers, the industry and the community during its review.
If the Queensland Government decides to change the law, you will be able to have your say on the Bill when it is considered by the Queensland Parliament.
The Queensland Law Reform Commission considered a framework for a decriminalised sex work industry, including:
- health and safety protections for sex workers and their clients.
- safeguards to deter the involvement of illegal activity and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
- maintaining public amenity.
- potential impacts on the sex work industry.
- whether the framework should apply to brothels, escort agencies, massage parlours, sole operators and street-based sex work.
The commission did not consider sexually explicit entertainment on licensed premises under an adult entertainment permit (e.g., strip teases, exotic nude dancing and nude wait staffing).
Yes. If you are a sex worker working in a licensed brothel, you must continue to get a medical examination or test (sexual health check) every 3 months.
Yes. If you are a brothel licensee or an approved manager, you must continue to renew your licence or certificate.
Yes. You must continue to follow the advertising guidelines.
If there is an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
If you think someone is breaching the rules for licensed brothels or the advertising guidelines, please contact the Prostitution Licensing Authority.
For all other reports, please contact the Queensland Police Service.