As amended by the Special Policy Conference, May 2013 and further amended at the 10th National Conference, June7-9, 2014.

Sex work is still on the criminal code in all states and territories except NSW. Criminalising sex work means significantly lower health and safety standards. Having sex work on the criminal code means increased police harassment for sex workers, particularly marginalised groups such as Aboriginal, street-based sex workers, Asian and migrant sex workers, HIV positive workers, and trans sex workers. Criminalising sex work does not support sex workers who are under financial stress, or those experiencing poverty.

Decriminalisation in NSW combined with other health and sex worker “peer education” community support measures, has resulted in better sexual health outcomes for sex workers and improved access by community outreach and support agencies. 

Models that criminalise the clients of sex workers  have the equivalent effect of criminalising sex workers. As the  industry cannot operate openly when its customers risk arrest,  sex workers are forced underground. This means they are more vulnerable to violence, and are restricted in access to health and support services.

Similarly, legalisation of some sections of the industry while leaving others unlicensed and illegal creates a two-tier system that leaves a section of workers vulnerable.