The Reforming the Regulation of the Sex Industry in the Northern Territory Discussion Paper has been released to key stakeholders and is online for public review.

The Paper explores issues faced by sex industry workers, regulators and the wider community, and looks at options for possible regulatory reform.

It also includes an overview of regulations of the industry in different Australian and international jurisdictions to see what works and what doesn’t.

Sex work is generally regulated under one of three models: decriminalisation, licensing and criminalisation. At present the NT has a combination of all three, which is inconsistent and ineffective.

The NT Government is considering options for a regulated but decriminalised model that ensures worker safety and rights

Under Northern Territory law it has never been illegal to be a sex worker, and there is no proposal to change this.

The discussion paper can be found here: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/regulationsexindustry

Quotes from Attorney-General, Natasha Fyles:

“All Territorians deserve to be safe at work. Being a sex worker is a recognised profession in the NT, but workers have no protection and minimal rights.

“That’s why the Territory Labor Government is working on legislative reforms to deliver a safer and more sustainable framework for sex workers, their industry and the broader community.

“I have met with stakeholders to hear concerns about the Prostitution Regulation Act and the Prostitution Regulations, neither of which have been the subject of major reform or review since their introduction in 1992.

“The safety of Territorians is paramount and this Paper looks at a number of issues, including ways we might be able to achieve safer working and health conditions for sex workers.”

Media Contact: Andrea Allen 0401 119 467.