Queensland's parliament has passed landmark legislation decriminalizing sex work in the state after years of advocacy. However, there are concerns that the reform could be reversed if the Liberal National opposition wins the upcoming election, as the party voted against the bill.
Opposition from One Nation and Katter’s Australian Party was also noted. Attorney General Yvette D’Ath, who sponsored the bill, highlighted that "discrimination and stigma" were widespread as about 90% of sex workers had to operate outside the law. A parliamentary committee found that sex workers faced unwanted advances, aggression, discrimination, and stigma.
Prior to the reforms, sex workers could only operate as sole traders or in one of fewer than two dozen licensed brothels in the state. Labor, Greens, and independent members voted to pass the bill, watched by numerous sex workers.
Respect Inc state coordinator Lulu Holiday described working under the former laws as "stressful" and "traumatic." She noted that many had been criminalized, charged, threatened with deportation, and harassed by police.
The new law treats sex work like any other business, with planning, health, and safety regulations. Shadow attorney general Tim Nicholls expressed concerns about the impact of the new law on neighbors and urged consideration of the Nordic model, which penalizes clients but not workers.
Labor MP Chris Whiting countered that the Nordic model is not being considered elsewhere in Australia. Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Jacqueline King warned that the LNP would face united opposition from unions and the sex work industry if they sought to recriminalize sex work.
Scarlet Alliance CEO Mish Pony praised the legislation for introducing anti-discrimination protections for sex workers. These protections help counter stigma and improve access to health services, housing, and mental health support.