The Eros Association, Australia’s adults-only industry association, is calling for a major review of Victoria’s sex work laws to deal with a growing unlicensed market.
Victoria’s regulatory approach to ‘vice’ has recently come under criticism following the Crown Casino junket scandal.
Eros claims that Victoria’s brothel industry is struggling as a result of unlicensed competitors who do not pay the exorbitant fees paid by legally compliant providers.
“We can’t keep going with this ‘two-tiered’ approach to regulation, where only a small part of the sector is compliant” says Rachel Payne, General Manager of the Eros Association. “In no other industry would this government assisted unfair competition be tolerated”.
Licensed brothels and escort agencies in Victoria are regulated by the Business Licensing Authority and pay the highest fee rate for a licensed business in the State.
Licensed brothels and escort agencies also must comply with major restrictions on the ability to advertise, sell and operate a sex work services business.
Eros joins a number of organisations including the Vixen Collective, Sex Work Law Reform Victoria and Star Health in calling for a review of our current regulatory approach to sex work.
