Sex work ‘a riskier business’ due to law

KIMBERLEY VLASIC LAWS designed to regulate and protect Far North sex workers are actually increasing their vulnerability to violence, threats and exploitation.

Sole operators such as “Jezabel” must work alone and she says many are reluctant to go to the police if they feel threatened or when clients refuse to pay.

Changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act in 2012 also allow accommodation providers to lawfully discriminate against sex workers, which means most work out of their own homes, increasing their vulnerability.

“We’re essentially forced to work in riskier environments than those men, women and trans sex workers in New South Wales and New Zealand, where it’s decriminalised,” Jezabel said. “The laws do more harm than good. “

A former social worker, Jezabel lives on Cairns’ southside and has been in the sex industry, on and off, for about a decade.

“There’s lots of stigma and discrimination … and a lot of misinformation about the industry,” she said.

“Because it’s not recognised as work, we don’t get any of those benefits. There’s often isolation and risk of exposure.”

Despite the drawbacks, Jezabel wouldn’t dream of doing anything else.

“I call the shots because I work for myself ... I love that,” she said.

“I meet lots of nice people, really good people – I still see and know my very first client, way back in 2006.

“Friendships develop too … lots of fun and laughter.”