After years of advocacy, Queensland has made history by passing legislation to decriminalize se*x work in the state. However, concerns linger among advocates that this milestone could be reversed if the Liberal National Party (LNP) secures victory in the upcoming October elections, having opposed the bill during its passage through parliament.
Attorney General Yvette D’Ath, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the prevalence of discrimination and stigma faced by se*x workers, with around 90% operating outside the legal framework.
Testimonies presented to a parliamentary committee underscored the challenges, including unwanted advances, aggression from clients, and societal stigma.
Queensland wants to deregulate the sex industry (Credits: QNews)
Under the previous regime, se*x workers could operate either independently or within licensed brothels, a system that left many feeling marginalized and subjected to legal risks. The reform now brings se*x work under the same regulatory framework as other businesses, ensuring compliance with planning and workplace health and safety standards.
The passage of the bill was observed by scores of se*x workers, many of whom have endured stressful and traumatic experiences under the previous regulatory regime.
While the legislation offers relief from criminalization, concerns remain about its impact on planning and potential neighborhood disturbances, as highlighted by Shadow Attorney General Tim Nicholls.
The opposition proposed the Nordic model, which criminalizes the client rather than the se*x worker, arguing for its adoption to address community concerns. However, proponents of decriminalization argue that such a model fails to address the systemic issues faced by se*x workers and may perpetuate stigma and discrimination.
Jacqueline King, Queensland Council of Unions’ general secretary, warned the LNP of united opposition from the union movement and the se*x work industry if they pursue efforts to re-criminalize se*x work.
Queensland to finally decriminalise and regulate sex work (Credits: QNews)
The legislation also introduces anti-discrimination protections, a crucial step in safeguarding the rights and well-being of se*x workers, according to Mish Pony, Scarlet Alliance CEO.
Greens MP Amy MacMahon emphasized the long-overdue nature of the reform, tracing its origins back to recommendations made in the 1989 Fitzgerald Inquiry into police corruption.
As Queensland embraces this historic change, attention now turns to the October elections and the potential implications for the future of se*x work regulation in the state.
