Prostitution and sex workers
There are specific laws covering prostitutes and other sex workers and their clients. If you’re charged with an offence, you should get legal advice.
Prostitution and the law
The laws regarding sex work in Queensland have recently changed. With the introduction of the Criminal Code (Decriminalising Sex Work) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024, sex work has been decriminalised, removing previous criminal charges and penalties for workers and businesses. This means sex workers now have greater rights and protections under the law, with their work treated the same as any other legal profession.
What has changed?
- it is no longer illegal to operate a sex work business without a licence
- soliciting sex work in public is no longer a criminal offence
- the Prostitution Licensing Authority has been abolished, and brothels are no longer subject to licensing requirements
- workplace health and safety laws now apply to sex work businesses under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- local councils can no longer create laws specifically targeting sex work businesses, ensuring these businesses are treated equally within the planning framework.
If you’re unsure about how these changes affect you, seek legal advice to understand your rights and responsibilities.
Sex work
Under the new laws, sex work is recognised as legitimate work, ensuring the same workplace protections and anti-discrimination rights as other industries.
What you can do:
- you can work as a sex worker from your home, a hotel, or other premises without needing to register or obtain a licence.
- you can operate a sex work business or brothel without requiring specific approvals beyond standard business requirements.
What’s still restricted:
- sex workers and businesses must follow existing workplace health and safety laws to protect themselves and their clients.
- while street-based solicitation is now legal, sex workers should still be mindful of public nuisance or safety concerns.
Young people and sex work
The new laws clarify how sex work laws apply to young people:
- it remains illegal for someone to obtain or encourage sex work from a person under 18 years old. However, young people aged under 18 are no longer criminalised for engaging in consensual sex work, provided it is not exploitative.
If you’re under 18 and worried about your situation, you can access confidential support and legal advice. Organisations like Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC) can help.
Do I need legal advice?
You may need legal advice if:
- you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities under the new laws
- you’ve been charged with a criminal offence related to sex work
- you want to understand how workplace health and safety laws apply to you.
How to get legal advice
We may give general legal advice about when you can sex and sexual activities.
The following organisations may be able to give legal advice.
Youth Advocacy Centre (YAC) is a community legal and social welfare service for young people up to 18 years.
Hub Community Legal offers basic help and advice on a range of legal matters including family law, domestic violence, child protection and youth criminal law advocacy services.
YFS Legal gives legal information and advice to young people under 25.
Community legal centres give legal advice on a range of topics. Contact them to find out if they can help with your matter.
Queensland Law Society can refer you to a specialist private lawyer for advice or representation.
Who else can help?
These organisations may be able to help. They don’t provide legal advice.
Home | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au offers information and services for work health and safety and workers’ compensation in Queensland. Call 1300 362 128.
Bravehearts provides counselling and support to children, adolescents and adult survivors of child sexual assault, as well as their non-offending family members.
Zig Zag Young Womens Resource Centre has counselling, support, information, referral and other services for young women (12 to 25).
Brisbane Youth Service helps young people to find and maintain appropriate housing, address physical and mental health issues and establish successful relationships and support networks.
Family Planning Queensland has reproductive and sexual health services for women across Queensland.
Queensland AIDS Council (QuAC) provides sexual health support services and advice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex Queenslanders.
Queensland health sexual health clinics have a listing of sexual health clinics across Queensland.
Immigrant Women’s Support Service offers free, confidential, practical and emotional support to immigrant and refugee women from non-English speaking backgrounds and their children who have experienced domestic or sexual violence.
Women’s InfoLink offers free and confidential information about government agencies and community services supporting women across Queensland.
Aboriginal and Islander Community Health Service (ATSICHS) has a range of health and medical services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the wider Brisbane community.
Indigenous youth health service has a range of services to address the health needs of homeless and at risk Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 12-25 years.
Child Safety After Hours Service provides 24 hour statewide services for after-hours responses to child protection matters.
Translating and Interpreting Services (TIS) provides a range of support services for people from non-English speaking backgrounds including phone, face-to-face and document translation services.
1800 RESPECT provides crisis and trauma counselling services to anyone whose life has been impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Respect Inc is a non-profit community based association of past and present sex workers focused on the rights and wellbeing of sex workers in Queensland.
Disclaimer: This content is for general purposes only and not legal advice. If you have a legal problem, please contact us or speak to a lawyer. View our full disclaimer.
Last updated 22 January 2025