Sex workers have repeatedly called for an overhaul of the current legal framework claiming the system is complex and unnecessarily confusing,and leaves workers vulnerable to prosecution.
On Friday,the Andrews government announced it would begin a two-year legislative overhaul,starting with the removal of offences and criminal penalties for consensual sex work,with the aim of having it passed by Parliament by the end of the year.
As part of the industry shake-up,sex work will be regulated through existing government agencies and public health and anti-discrimination laws will be updated to support a decriminalised system. Labor will also work with local governments to update planning laws paving the way for the change.
Only sex work involving consenting adults will be decriminalised. Laws to protect children and workers from coercion and address other forms of non-consensual sex work will continue to be enforced by state and federal law agencies.
The state government said it hopes the changes,revealed byThe Agein June,will safeguard workers against exploitation,reduce stigma and improve access to health and justice services.
Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne described it as an"important reform"that would ensure sex workers had the same rights and protections as other Victorian workers.