Read a plain English version of the joint statement here. Accurate legal information for sex workers is critical in Victoria given the complicated nature of Victorian sex work regulation, comprising more than pages of laws and regulations. Inaccurate, misleading or incomplete legal information can lead to sex workers acting in contravention of Victorian law, leading to potential police attention, arrest, charges, prosecution, jail, criminal records, and even deportation.
As indicated above, distributing and promoting inaccurate legal information places sex workers at risk and is not acceptable. See the joint statement by Vixen Collective and Scarlet Alliance here. Licensing creates a two-tiered sex industry where a small percentage of the industry can meet compliance requirements while the majority of the industry cannot and is forced to operate outside of the legal framework.
Licensing means reduced options for sex workers and reduced control over working environments and safety. As Vixen Collective Victoria's peer only sex worker organisation also notes "Within the licensing system in Victoria, Victorian police fulfill an enforcement role, which creates significant barriers for sex workers accessing police assistance. Sex Workers and supporters at rally calling for decriminalisation in Melbourne, Victoria in Sex Work Act If you work in a licensed brothel- the brothel itself registers under the licensing system i.
This means the place you work from has requirements outlined in the Planning and Environment Act and requires a planning permit issued by the Council for it to be a licenced brothel. Councils primarily monitor compliance with planning requirements.
Currently brothels are limited to 6 rooms Sex Work Act Some older brothels, established before June , are larger. You have the right to refuse to see a client if you think the situation is unsafe or you think the client may be violent. The Public Health and Wellbeing Act states that sex workers must be provided with a free supply of condoms and lubricants at no charge in a brothel.
