On 22 February 2022 the Sex Work Decriminalisation Bill 2021 was passed by Victorian Parliament. The new legislation will decriminalise 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 and regulating the sex work industry through existing specialist responsible agencies.
Decriminalisation will occur in two stages
- May 10, 2022: reforms affecting street-based sex work and independent sex work.
- December 1, 2023: repeal of the Sex Work Act 1994 Act, with crimes relating to children and coercion being moved to other acts. Sex work premises will be allowed to operate under a new regulatory system.
Regulating the sex work industry
Though our role in the sex work industry is changing, 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:
- : to learn about matters relating to workplace health and safety.
- Department of : for information on the health response to the sex work reforms, or email sexworkreform@health.vic.gov.au.
- Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights : for information about your rights regarding discrimination.
- Consumer Affairs : for information about licensing and regulation of sex work service providers.
For more information regarding the decriminalisation of sex work reforms, visit the Department of Justice and Community website.
Reporting a crime to Victoria Police
- in an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000), or
- if there is no immediate danger, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444,
- or contact your local police station.
Reviewed 07 July 2022