Australia

Sex work law in Australia is determined by each state/territory. New South Wales fully decriminalized in 1995 — the first jurisdiction in the world to do so. Victoria has a licensing system. Queensland allows sole operators but requires brothel licenses. Western Australia and South Australia have various restrictions. The Northern Territory recently decriminalized. The national trend is toward decriminalization.

In practice, Australia is highly SW-friendly. NSW (Sydney) is the most liberal — full legal protection. Melbourne (Victoria) has a bureaucratic but functional licensing system. Brisbane (Queensland) allows sole operators. The Australian sex worker community is well-organized with active advocacy groups in every state.

Low to moderate. Metadata retention laws (Telecommunications Act) require ISPs to retain data for 2 years. Border Force has broad device search powers under the Customs Act — rarely used against SWs. Advertising is legal and open.

Good for touring, especially NSW and Victoria. Each state has different rules — research the specific state. Sydney (NSW) is easiest — no license needed. Melbourne requires a license. Brisbane allows sole operators only.

Scarlet Blue, Punter Planet, Locanto, international platforms.

• Scarlet Alliance — Australian Sex Workers Association
• SWOP NSW — Sex Workers Outreach Project
• RhED — Resourcing Health & Education (Victoria)
• Respect Inc — Queensland