One of the effects of the commencement of the Criminal Code (Decriminalisation of sex work) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2024 on 2 August 2024 was the abolition of the prostitution licensing system, of which the requirements around advertising guidelines were a part.
The Amendment Act:
decriminalises the sex work industry in Queensland
repeals existing criminal offences relating to sex work
removes the requirement for brothels to be licensed
creates new offences for the protection of sex workers and children
strengthens the protection of all sex workers from unfair discrimination
prevents local governments from making local laws specifically about the regulation of sex work.
It is no longer a requirement for advertising of sex work to comply with the advertising guidelines. Nor will the advertising guidelines be updated or replaced. Instead, advertising sex work business will be guided by the same general provisions which apply to other forms of advertising. In passing this legislation, it is Government’s intention that sex work be treated like any other business.
While the advertising guidelines previously issued by the Prostitution Licensing Authority are no longer in effect, it is essential to remain mindful that prevailing community standards still apply. Advertisers must ensure that all content related to prostitution services is respectful, non-offensive, and in line with community expectations, even in the absence of specific regulatory guidance. Compliance with these standards is crucial to maintaining ethical advertising practices within the industry.
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