Victoria has decriminalised sex work. So why are those in the industry still facing danger and discrimination? Juanita suspects the flyer was written by her former boss in retaliation for starting her own business. But regardless of who sent it, the damage was done — her local council received a complaint, launched an investigation and alerted her landlord.
She was then served with a formal breach of her rental agreement. Two more followed before she received a notice to vacate in October. Sex work has been fully decriminalised in Victoria since 1 December , meaning it is legally treated like any other business, including those operating from home, such as hairdressing salons or personal training studios.
Legal protections, which came into effect in , also make it illegal to discriminate against a person based on their involvement in the sex industry.
Combined with cuts in funding to support services for sex workers, they say it could put those in the industry at risk. The program is one of only two dedicated legal services for sex workers across Australia and Smith is the only lawyer in Victoria who solely represents clients in the industry. In two years Smith has represented 90 clients in separate incidents, including tenancy disputes and workplace issues. She is preparing to file a case for Juanita with the Victorian civil and administrative tribunal if her landlord acts on the unlawful eviction notice.
But, for many of her other clients, this is not an option. Allen said the four most raised complaints relate to being refused access to rental properties or accommodation, financial or advertising services or employment due to history as a sex worker.
