History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2

History of Decriminalization in Australia: Part 2

From The Oldest Profession Podcast by Old Pros

November 25, 2025 · 43 min · Season 6

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of the 1995 decriminalization of sex work in New South Wales, featuring insights from various advocates on the changes and ongoing challenges faced by sex workers.

In this second and final episode on the decriminalization of sex work in Australia, host Kaytlin Bailey picks up where we left off: the 1995 vote to decriminalize sex work in New South Wales. We look at what happened after decrim passed, what it actually changed for sex workers and their neighbors, and how the fight has moved from the streets and brothels to city councils, state legislatures, and online platforms. You'll hear from: Elena Jeffreys – sex worker and advocacy lead for Scarlet Alliance, on how decriminalization transformed day-to-day safety, the ongoing damage caused by local council overreach, and why racialized enforcement against Asian and migrant workers remains the frontline of anti-sex work politics. Eurydice Aroney – longtime sex worker rights advocate, on how decrim reduced community hysteria, what a decriminalized neighborhood actually looks like, and why most residents don't even realize brothels are upstairs from their favorite shops. Eliza Sorensen – sex worker, co-CEO of Assembly Four, and co-founder of Switter and Tryst.link, on the new battleground of online safety laws, age verification, payment processing, and why we still don't have decriminalization…

People in this episode

Host: Kaytlin Bailey

Guests: Elena Jeffreys, Eurydice Aroney, Eliza Sorensen

Topics covered

  • decriminalization
  • sex work
  • Australia
  • advocacy
  • community impact
  • online safety laws

Keywords

  • decriminalization
  • sex work
  • New South Wales
  • advocacy
  • community safety
  • online laws
  • police protection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Scarlet Alliance, Assembly Four, Switter, Tryst.link

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