Are Escort Services Legal in Australia?

Australia, like many European countries, takes a much more relaxed attitude towards escort services than several other nations. While laws vary from state to state, it is important to be advised of local regulations. An important distinction to note is the difference between street prostitution, brothels and escort services, as the laws governing each vary greatly.

Street prostitution is illegal in all areas of Australia except for New South Wales, where strict regulations dictate acceptable distances from churches, schools and the like. Brothels, however, are legal in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales. Strict regulations dictate the differences between brothels and escort services, and operators of both services are licensed and comply with state laws.

In Australia as a whole, escort services are completely legal. In the Northern Territory, licenses are provided for running legal escort businesses. In all areas of Australia, owning, operating, working for and employing the services of escort agencies is within the law. It is important that the distinction between escort services and brothels be observed, as brothels are illegal in many areas while escort services are permitted. The owners or operators of escort agencies are usually licensed through the state and comply to all legal regulations regarding the distinction between escort services and brothels, leaving clientele nothing to worry about.

Ned Duke is an Australian tourism and lifestyle specialist writing for Asian Delight to inform travelers about laws and regulations in Australia.