South Australian Attorney-General, Vickie Chapman, says she will sponsor a bill to decriminalize sex work when it comes to the state’s Lower House, boosting its chances of becoming law.
However, handwringing concerns have been raised about the changes worsening the streetwalking problem in Adelaide’s north-western suburbs.
The Decriminalization of Sex Work Bill was introduced by Greens MLC Tammy Franks last month and is the same as one sponsored by Liberal Upper House MP Michelle Lensink in 2015.
That bill passed the Legislative Council but failed to go to a conscience vote in the House of Assembly before the March election.
Ms Chapman, who is also Deputy Premier, said the proposed new laws would decriminalise an industry that was already operating throughout the state.
Brothels are illegal in South Australia, along with soliciting, but prostitution itself is not.
Opponents of the previous bill, such as former speaker and Croydon MP Michael Atkinson, said it would further encourage streetwalking in places such as Hanson Road, in Woodville Gardens.
Ms Chapman said this concern was not justified.
“It’s wall-to-wall services down there anyway,” she said.
