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

 

This guide is an introduction to sex work laws in New South Wales.

In NSW sex work is mostly decriminalised.

• Sex work is treated like other work.
• Sex work is mainly regulated through laws that apply to everyone, including public health law and work health and safety law.

There are some old laws, restrictions and discrimination that still impact sex workers in NSW.

• Sex workers must be 18 or older
• Clients of private sex workers must be 16 or older
• Clients must be 18 or over specifically to visit a sex services premises. This is a separate, higher threshold that applies only to workplaces , not to private work. 
• There are laws restricting street-based sex work
• Council rules can restrict private sex work, brothels and other sex work businesses.

For more information, contact SWOP NSW:

 

swopnsw.org.au | 02 9184 9466 | [email protected]