Sex work laws are different in each state and territory of Australia.

 

This guide is an introduction to sex work laws in Western Australia.

In Western Australia, sex work is criminalised with exceptions.

What the law allows:

• Working alone and seeing clients without any third parties, security, receptionists or drivers involved in the booking logistics.
• Working as a sex worker in a brothel or for an escort agency

What the law criminalises:

• Sex work business; all brothels, escort agencies and massage parlours are illegal – but operate openly
• Having third parties (like security, receptionists, or drivers) involved in the booking logistics, or working in pairs or more (ie doubles)
• Street-based sex work is illegal, and heavily policed. Carrying safer sex equipment can also be used as evidence of a street-based sex work offence, although this is rare

It is worth knowing about the laws. You can contact Magenta or SWEAR for advice and support, and view this one-page resource on WA’s sex work laws. Sex workers can also contact SWEAR to request a copy of The Whoreacle: A Handbook for WA Sex Workers.

For more information, contact SWEAR or Magenta:

 

[email protected] | sexworkerrightswa.org

 

[email protected] | 08 9328 1387 | magenta.org.au