Sarah Oliver
The decriminalisation of sex work, which was cause for controversy recently in Melton, has now been made law, ensuring sex workers in Victoria have the same protections and recognition as any other worker in the state.
The Sex Work Decriminalisation Act 2022 will address persistent discrimination and stigma experienced by sex workers and remove limits on the independence of sex workers to make free and fair choices about their employment.
The reforms will also contribute to improved safety and welfare for street-based sex workers.
Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation Melissa Horne said every Victorian deserves to feel safe in their workplace.
“This is a historical day and a ground-breaking step towards ensuring sex workers receive the same rights as any other employee in the state,” 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.”
Workplace Safety Minister Ingrid Stitt said: “Decriminalising sex work will improve sex workers’ access to services that all workers have the right to – a safe workplace, healthcare and legal help.”
Sex workers report their working conditions as unsafe in both the licenced and unlicenced 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.
Decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria will occur in two stages. The first phase is set to commence in May this year and will remove most offences and criminal penalties for individuals participating in the act of consensual sex work. It will also introduce anti-discrimination protections for sex workers.
The second phase is expected to commence in late 2023, and will include the remainder of the reforms, and repeal the sex work licencing system.
In November 2021, some Melton councillors raised concerns with the decriminalisation of sex work and made the decision to run a community campaign to raise awareness for the bill.
The community survey is still open for Melton residents to raise any concerns or queries, and closes at the end of March.
Feedback will be sent to the state government for review as part of any potential future amendments.
Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg was the only councillor who opposed the motion to have a community campaign, saying “ratepayers’ money and council officer time could be better utilised somewhere else”, with the campaign estimated to cost $2000.
The state government will continue to work with key stakeholders including sex workers, their peer organisations, local councils, and other key stakeholders to ensure the reforms are implemented in the best way possible.
Minister for Prevention of Family Violence and Minister for Women Gabrielle Williams said: “This reform means sex workers in Victoria will no longer be forced to make the impossible choice between working legally or keeping themselves safe”.
