Queensland has plans to introduce new laws to decriminalise sex work.
A new parliamentary Bill aimed at improving the health and rights of workers in the world’s oldest profession, was part of a series of policy promises announced by the new Steven Miles-led government on Feb. 14.
The Criminal Code and Other Legislation (Decriminalising Sex Work) Amendment Bill 2024 intends to decriminalise the sex industry and repeal existing criminal offences related to the work.
A government release said the proposed legislation will help move the industry into the same regulatory setting as any other business
Enforcement of vice-type crime traditionally including drug offences, serious assaults, and robbery has long been associated with the industry, and their enforcement by Queensland Police has been seen in some quarters as heavy-handed—perhaps fueled by the 1989 Fitzgerald Inquiry on Police Corruption which established a link between the thin blue line and the sex industry.
Current legislation does not allow for what the report deems “safety strategies for sex workers,” in essence, an ability for a worker to hire personal protection.Sex workers plying their trade under the same roof as a co-worker is also currently illegal, potentially putting a solo worker at risk of violence from customers.
An independent review by the Queensland Law Reform Commission (QLRC) and commissioned by the government, was tasked with looking into decriminalisation.
They considered the decriminalisation of sex work in New Zealand, whose 2003 Prostitution Law Reform Act.
Lulu Holiday is the state coordinator of Respect Inc., an organisation advocating for the safety of sex workers.
“Reforms like this bring about changes in community attitudes that break down the stigma and discrimination that sex workers face every day, including when accessing essential services. Decriminalisation reduces barriers to reporting crime. The Women’s Safety and Justice Taskforce recommended decriminalisation to improve access to justice for sex workers.”
Queensland’s Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath said the reforms will aid the sex industry in reducing its collective fear of prosecution and public ostracisation.
“The proposed reforms to decriminalise the sex work industry will put in place proper regulation, so the industry doesn’t have to choose between working safely or legally. The legislation focuses strongly on the promotion of human rights and affording legal protections,” she said.
