In groundbreaking legislation, Queensland has become the latest state in Australia to decriminalise sex work. After decades of campaigning and following a much-awaited review, the new law will regulate sex work the same way as all other businesses – including planning rules and health and safety requirements.
However, for the many advocates of the recent legislation, the changes have been a long time coming. For the rest of the world, eyes are on Australia as one of the leading countries to take a proactive approach to legalising and regulating the sex industry.
The regulation of sex work and brothels across Australia has a long and difficult history. Many changes and amendments have been made over the years aiming to tackle corruption and welfare issues and promote a safer, legitimate workplace for sex workers.
New South Wales (NSW) was the first jurisdiction in Australia to decriminalise sex work, setting a precedent across the country for other states to review their rules and regulations. The first major reforms in NSW were rolled out through the Disorderly Houses Amendment Act 1995 under a then-labour government, decriminalising almost all aspects of consensual adult sex work and the operation of brothels. The shift saw criminal penalties removed and regulatory responsibilities handed over to local councils.
With the HIV/AIDS crisis at a peak the year prior in 1994, government officials hoped that regulating and offering legal and workplace protections would encourage safer and more educated use of sex services and ultimately reduce the risk of STI and STD transmission.
The Northern Territory followed suit several years later in 2019, with Victoria decriminalising sex work in 2022 and Queensland most recently in 2024 – Meaning experienced and professional Brisbane Escorts can now work legally and offer their erotic services without penalty.
As of 2024, Australia has a patchwork of laws across its different states and territories. Private sex work is largely legal, however, South Australia, Western Australia, and Tasmania still have legal restrictions on brothels and solicitation.
| State/Territory | Year of Sex Work Decriminalisation |
| New South Wales | 1995 |
| Victoria | 2022 |
| Northern Territory | 2019 |
| Queensland | 2024 |
| South Australia | Not Yet Decriminalised |
| Western Australia | Not Yet Decriminalised |
| Tasmania | Not Yet Decriminalised |
| Australian Capital Territory | 2022 |
Commercial sex work is legal in several countries around the world, however, some Australian states are leading the way with full decriminalisation with rules and regulation similar to those of any other industry or business.
Outside of Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and the Netherlands are the other countries to have legalised and regulated sex work, offering security and health and social benefits. Countries like Switzerland, Greece, and Austria allow sex work in some form, however, there are strict restrictions and regulations in place – Greece, for example, requires registration and health checks for sex workers. In Canada, sex work is decriminalised but related activities are still prosecutable, falling second only to Mexico and Spain in that sex work operates under a legal grey area.
It is no surprise that Australia is considered a pioneer in its attitude to prostitution and other related sexual services. Visitors to states like Victoria and NSW can expect fully regulated and premium escort and brothel services for their pleasure – There are even 5-star establishments offering a range of luxury treatments and experiences. Guidelines are in place, but sex workers can even advertise their services without risk of discrimination or criminal conviction.
It’s not just sex work that Australian’s regard with a positive attitude – Sex and sexuality are openly discussed, explored, and benefit from the countries diversity and equality laws.
Same-sex relationships are legal across the states of Australia and same-sex marriage was passed into law in 2017. LGBTQI+ visibility and acceptance in general has increased year-on-year, with the likes of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras becoming a hugely popular pride event each year. Alongside same-sex relationships, awareness of gender non-conformity and diversity have received increased support, with new policies and guidance such as legal recognition of gender change and the availability of gender-affirming healthcare.
With open discussions toward sex, sexuality, sexual health, and diversity becoming commonplace in Australia, it is no surprise it has many of the world’s most sexually liberated cities.
