[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”How To” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
last updated 07\/11\/2022<\/p>\n
This resource contains information for sex workers on the laws about sex work in South Australia. This information is not intended to be legal advice. It is provided as a guide on sex work laws to help you navigate working in South Australia.<\/p>\n
Sex work laws can be confusing and difficult to comply with and can compromise our safety. They are different in each state and territory, so sex work activities that are legal in one state may not be legal in another.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Most sex work laws in Australia are about work that involves in-person contact and direct sexual services, so this resource is focused on those kinds of sex work. Resources on other types of sex work, including stripping, porn and online work, are forthcoming.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019ve been charged or received a fine or official notice while doing sex work, or have further questions about the laws, contact<\/span> SIN<\/span><\/a> for advice and support.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][chiac_divi_accordions admin_label=”Overview” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”South Australia\u2019s sex worker peer organisation” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n South Australia\u2019s peer-only sex worker organisation is <\/span>SIN<\/span><\/a>. SIN is located in Mile End and also provides outreach services to other locations, with dedicated projects for women, street-based, culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD), male, and trans and gender diverse sex workers. <\/span>Contact SIN<\/span><\/a> to access support, advocacy, education and information, safety strategies, resources, safer sex supplies, safer injecting equipment (both onsite and mobile), and referrals to sex work-friendly professionals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”Framework – criminalisation ” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n South Australia has taken a punitive approach to sex work and sex workers since colonisation. Sex work was first criminalised under ‘vagrancy’ laws and then by criminal legislation such as the <\/span>Summary Offences Act 1953<\/span><\/i> and the <\/span>Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935<\/span><\/i>, which are still in force today.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From the late 1970s onwards, there have been many attempts to decriminalise sex work in South Australia, none of which have been successful to date. This has resulted in confusing laws which are inconsistently enforced, creating a climate of fear for sex workers and making it difficult for us to work safely. South Australian laws are the most punitive in Australia, defying current trends toward decriminalisation and failing to acknowledge the health, safety, and human rights risks posed by criminalising some or all aspects of sex work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”Applicable legislation” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][\/chiac_divi_accordions][et_pb_text admin_label=”Title: General information and laws about sex work” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The act of providing sexual services in exchange for money is <\/span>not<\/b> specifically illegal<\/b> in South Australia, but many <\/span>actions<\/b> associated with the normal operation of sex work <\/span>are illegal<\/b>. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][chiac_divi_accordions admin_label=”General info & laws” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”What is considered sex work?” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sex work or ‘commercial sexual services’ are defined in the <\/span>Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935<\/span><\/i><\/a> as ‘services provided for payment involving the use or display of the body of the person who provides the services for the sexual gratification of another or others.’\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Act also defines the term \u2018<\/span>common prostitute<\/span><\/a>\u2019 as ‘<\/span>any male person who prostitutes his body for fee or reward’, <\/span>but this is not mentioned again after the definition. The <\/span>Summary Offences Act 1953<\/span><\/i><\/a> uses this same definition but for the term \u2018prostitute\u2019, with no further information. <\/span><\/p>\n While the terminology around gender in the laws reflects the time in which they were drafted, people of all genders can be currently charged with \u2018prostitution\u2019 offences in South Australia.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”General sex work offences” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
General information and laws about sex work<\/span><\/h2>\n