Sex work

Sex workers must be over 18 years old and choose to provide sexual services.

Sex work in Victoria was decriminalised in 2023 under the SWD Act. In the bill’s second reading speech on 13 October 2021, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, noted that sex work is a “legitimate form of work” and that sex workers were entitled to safe work rights. She went on to say: “Under a decriminalised framework, sex work businesses will be treated in the same way as other Victorian businesses and regulated through standard planning, occupational health and safety and other business laws and regulations that apply to all businesses in Victoria. Victoria Police will remain responsible for enforcing criminal laws.”