In a step forward for workers’ rights, Victoria has passed historic laws decriminalising the sex work industry.
Celebrating the Bill’s passage, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne said the Sex Work Decriminalisation Act 2022 would ensure sex workers in Victoria had the same protections and recognition as any other worker in the State.
Ms Horne said the Act would address persistent discrimination and stigma experienced by sex workers and remove limits on their independence to make free and fair choices about their employment.
“The reforms will also contribute to improved safety and welfare for street-based sex workers,” she said.
“Sex workers report current working conditions as unsafe in both the licensed and unlicensed sectors, including violence in the workplace, deterrents to reporting violence and a lack of compliance with safe-sex measures.
“The changes will also allow industry regulation to be managed through existing Agencies, such as WorkSafe, the Department of Health and Local Governments.”
Ms Horne said the decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria would occur in two stages, with the first phase to remove most offences and criminal penalties for individuals participating in the act of consensual sex work to commence in May.
The Minister said this phase would also introduce anti-discrimination protections for sex workers.
She said the second phase was expected to commence in late 2023, would include the remainder of the reforms and would repeal the sex work licensing system.
“Every Victorian, no matter their industry, deserves to feel safe in their workplace,” she said.
“Sex work is legitimate work and should be regulated through standard business laws.
“We’ll establish a new regulatory framework and ensure an efficient transition to the new business model,” Ms Horne said.
