Petition request

That the House of Representatives pass legislation to repeal Section 19 of the Prostitution Reform Act 2003 and apply the same rights and legal protections to migrant sex workers who are on a work visa as given to citizens.

Petition reason

Evidence has shown us time and time again that criminalising sex work helps no-one, and we have seen the benefits of decriminalization and a human rights based approaches to sex work for residents. Yet migrant sex workers are still vulnerable to coercion, exploitation and abuse by clients, managers and police due to their illegal status, as reporting such incidents may result in deportation and a conviction which may prevent future travel.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 1343
Date presented: 03 Mar 2022
Considered by: Education and Workforce
SC Report(s): 17 Nov 2022 (Final)
Presenting member: Jan Logie
Closing date: 30 Sep 2021