[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=”Intro” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
last updated 07\/11\/2022<\/p>\n
This resource contains information for sex workers on the laws about sex work in Tasmania. 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 Tasmania.<\/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<\/span><\/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>the Scarlet Alliance Tasmanian Sex Worker Project<\/a><\/span> 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=”Tasmania\u2019s sex worker peer organisation” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Tasmania\u2019s peer-only sex worker project is <\/span>the Scarlet Alliance Tasmanian Sex Worker Project<\/a><\/span>. The Scarlet Alliance Lutruwita (Tasmanian) Sex Worker Project offers peer services to those working in the sex industry, whether based in Lutruwita (Tasmania) or touring here. Their main office is based in Nipaluna (Hobart). They also travel to Launceston at the head of Kanamaluka (Tamar River) weekly and do regular outreach to other regional centres in Lutruwita (Tasmania).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”History and legislative framework – criminalisation with legalised private work” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Sex workers have always conducted business in Tasmania, and the state has always considered sex workers to be \u2018bad\u2019 or \u2018fallen\u2019 women, with the first \u2018rescue\u2019 institution,\u00a0 Van Diemen’s Land Asylum for the Protection of Destitute and Unfortunate Females opened in 1848.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Sex Industry Offences Act 2005<\/span><\/i><\/a> defines two business models for the sex industry. The first is ‘sexual services businesses’, where one or two sex workers may legally work together as self-employed sex workers. The second is ‘commercial sexual services businesses,’ where a ‘commercial operator’ supervises or has some form of management over the sex workers in the business (i.e. a brothel or escort agency), <\/span>which is illegal.<\/b><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”Applicable legislation” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _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=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][chiac_divi_accordions admin_label=”General info & laws ” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”What is considered sex work?” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In Tasmania, ‘sexual services’ can mean either an ‘act of sexual intercourse’ and\/or ‘any activity where there is any form of direct physical contact between two or more persons for the purpose of the sexual gratification of one or more of those persons’ (<\/span>Sex Industry Offences Act 2005<\/span><\/i><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”Safer sex practices” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Sex workers and clients must both use safer sex practices (maximum penalty for breach: $86,500 fine – <\/span>Sex Industry Offences Act 2005<\/span><\/i><\/a>). A law reform process happening now may, if successful, introduce laws against \u2018stealthing\u2019 (removing a condom without the other person\u2019s consent). We will update this resource if it successfully becomes law.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>Public Health Act 1997<\/span><\/i><\/a> states that all adults (including sex workers and clients) who are<\/span> ‘aware of having a notifiable disease must take all reasonable measures and precautions to prevent the transmission of the disease; and must not knowingly or recklessly place another person at risk of contracting the disease.’ Many STI and BBV are ‘<\/span>notifiable diseases<\/span><\/a>‘ in some or all states and territories. This means that diagnosed cases of these infections are confidentially reported to state or territory health departments. You can find more information on the notifiable conditions in each jurisdiction on our<\/span> BBV, STI and the Law<\/span><\/a> resource, or contact your<\/span> local sex worker peer organisation<\/span><\/a> for support if you’re concerned about any impact this might have on your work.<\/span><\/p>\n The Scarlet Alliance <\/span>Red Book Online<\/span><\/a> provides a wide range of sexual health information for sex workers by sex workers and includes information on testing, safer sex, harm reduction, and workplace health and safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”Advertising” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n There are currently <\/span>no specific restrictions<\/span><\/a> on the advertising of self-employed sex workers (see page 24). However, advertising publishers (e.g. newspapers or websites) may place restrictions on the language and\/or content they publish as part of the terms and conditions of using their service. Advertising sex work services can also be impacted by federal advertising and internet laws, as well as the requirements of private advertising service providers.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/chiac_divi_accordions_item][chiac_divi_accordions_item title=”General sex work offences” chiac_subtitle_state=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n It is <\/span>illegal<\/b> to<\/span><\/p>\n\n
General information and laws about sex work<\/span><\/h2>\n