South Australia remains behind other states and countries in meaningful reform pertaining to 'prostitution'. We petition the South Australian Government to enact legislation to decriminalise that which is enshrine in archaic laws form the 1930s and 1950s; to repeal statute that makes sex work illegal, abolish all offences relating to prostitution and move forward as an example to Australia and the world. We petition the South Australian Government accept best practice and global health recommendations to create social policy that enhances health, welfare and wellbeing of not only sex workers but their clients and, in turn, the general public. We invite the South Australian Government to see the health, social and financial benefits of treating the sex industry AS an industry - which it is already - by removing the laws which are 80 years behind in matters of public health, community safety and social welfare.

The decriminalisation of sex work is best practice in HIV reduction according to the UN and other respected organisations and individuals. Decriminalisation also means that those working in the sex industry enjoy the same rights and confidence in reporting offences against them such as rape, violence, assault, theft and harassment as every other citizen. It means as victims of crime, reporting an offence can be done without real or perceived stigma. Further, decriminalisation means the sex industry does not have to operate behind closed doors where corruption, coercion, exploitation and secrecy sees rights, responsibilities and safety take a back seat. 

We petition the South Australian Government to abolish existing laws in order to protect the interests, health and wellbeing of all South Australians so that sex work is decriminalised in this State.