On 22 February 2022 the Sex Work Decriminalisation Bill 2021 was passed by Victorian Parliament. The new legislation has decriminalised sex work by:
- Removing offences and criminal penalties from participating in the act of consensual sex work including abolishing street-based sex work offences
- Repealing public health offences associated with sex work
- Repealing the Sex Work Act 1994 and regulating the sex industry through existing specialist responsible agencies.
Decriminalisation occurred in two stages
- May 10, 2022: reforms affecting street-based sex work and independent sex work, amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and changes to the health responsibilities of sex workers.
- December 1, 2023: the Sex Work Act 1994 was repealed, with crimes relating to children and coercion being moved to other acts. Sex work premises are allowed to operate under a new regulatory system.
Regulating the sex work industry
Though our role in the sex industry has changed, Victoria Police’s obligation and commitment to ensuring community safety has not changed.
The reforms recognise that sex work is legitimate work and allows industry regulation to be managed through existing government agencies including:
- WorkSafe: to learn about matters relating to workplace health and safety.
- Department of Health: for information on the health response to the sex work reforms.
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission: for information about your rights regarding discrimination.
- Consumer Affairs Victoria: for information about licensing and regulation of sex work service providers.
- The Victorian Liquor Commission: for information on compliance with liquor regulations.
- The Department of Transport and Planning: for information on compliance to planning controls.
For more information regarding the decriminalisation of sex work reforms, visit the Department of Justice and Community Safety website.
Resources for the sex industry
The following sex work peer organisations can provide support and advocacy for members of the sex industry.
Reporting a crime to Victoria Police
In an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000).
If there is no immediate danger:
- call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or
- contact your local police station.
Updated