Background
On 22 February 2022, the Sex Work Decriminalisation Act 2022 was passed by Victorian Parliament.
The decriminalisation of sex work will:
- remove offences and criminal penalties for consensual sex work, by adults, in most circumstances. This will include abolishing offences for street-based sex work in most locations and repealing public health offences associated with sex work
- repeal the Sex Work Act 1994 and regulate the sex work industry through existing regulatory agencies
- roll out related reforms to support decriminalisation. For example, planning, public health, and anti-discrimination laws.
Decriminalisation will remove licensing, approval and registration requirements for sex work service providers, brothel managers and small owner-operators to operate legally.
Decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria will occur in two stages to allow time to transition to a different model of regulation. The first stage will commence in May 2022. The second stage is expected to commence late 2023.
There are no immediate changes to obligations and requirements for sex work service providers, brothel managers and small owner operators. Obligations will change on 10 May 2022 and further information will be provided before this date.
Public consultation closed
This public consultation closed on 27 August 2021.
You provided feedback on how decriminalisation should be implemented in the community and how it would affect the sex work industry.
For further information on the outcomes of consultation, you can visit Engage Victoria.
More information
You can read the Act on the Victorian Legislation website.
The Act received Royal Assent on 1 March 2022.
More information about the decriminalisation of sex work in Victoria can be found at vic.gov.au/sex-work-decriminalisation