An Australia-first bill that aimed to criminalize men who buy sex and decriminalize women who sell it was narrowly rejected by one vote after a late-night debate in South Australia's upper house. The proposed "Nordic model" reform would have changed the state's prostitution laws from full decriminalization to partial decriminalization.
The bill, introduced by Liberal leader Nicola Centofanti, sought to protect sex workers from prosecution while increasing penalties for buyers and pimps. It also aimed to provide pathways for sex workers to leave the industry.
The vote was a conscience vote and saw cross-party support, including from Labor minister Clare Scriven, who supported the bill to address the commodification of women. Independent Frank Pangallo also supported the bill, citing widespread exploitation in the sex industry.
However, Greens member Tammy Franks strongly opposed the reform, arguing that it would harm sex workers by criminalizing their clients. She emphasized that sex workers provide a service and should not be cast as criminals.
Leading sex work advocacy groups, including the Sex Industry Network, opposed the bill. Labor members, including Attorney-General Kyam Maher, supported maintaining full decriminalization of the industry.
Centofanti expressed disappointment in the vote but vowed to continue pushing for the equality model. She also mentioned plans to reintroduce a bill focused on exit strategies, immunity, and spent convictions.