Is It Legal to Offer Escort Services in Melbourne?

Melbourne is an Australian city within the jurisdiction of Victoria and under state laws. Melbourne, just like all others in Australia, has numerous escorts and adult services. If you wonder whether or not it is legal to offer escort services in Melbourne, then this article is for you.

Although escort services and prostitution are different, let’s talk about the latter for a minute. Prostitution and independent sex work are legal in Victoria. However, there are stringent guidelines on how to conduct it. Meanwhile, it is worth noting that brothels and pimps are banned in Melbourne and the entire state unless they have a Sex Workers Service Provider License and are located 100 meters away from residential houses.

Any Melbourne escort is guided by the same laws that guide independent sex workers and they are required to have a conducting license to offer adult service.

Escort Agencies

It is legal to have an escort agency in Melbourne, and this is good news to any Melbourne escort because this is an opportunity to earn. However, these agencies are required to operate under the guidelines of the Sex Work Act.

Breaking the law will lead to hefty fines, jail, and closure of your agency. Since agencies manage the Melbourne escorts who are under them, they must ensure that they comply as well.

Escort Advertisement

Many Melbourne escorts are not under any agency and need to advertise their services on the web. The best solution is a Melbourne escort directory, a website that gives escorts a platform to advertise their services at a fee.

But as they advertise, they must know the laws to avoid breaking them. The sex work regulations are clear on what a Melbourne escort should put on their profile and advertisement.

The goal is to protect the larger public, so advertisement on broadcast media such as television is prohibited. Furthermore, one cannot blatantly describe that they offer sexual services in their advertisements.

Street-Based Escorts

If you want to be successful as a Melbourne escort, you should not look for clients on the street. It is illegal and you can be charged with a criminal offense. That is why escorts in Victoria need a premise, use hotels, and comply with the law.

Offenses Related to Escorting Services in Melbourne

There are quite a number of offenses that can cause escorts and sex workers trouble in Melbourne. They include the following:

• Involving children in escorting services and taking money for services they may have provided.
• Forcing anyone into escorting services and sex work.
• Soliciting for escorting services in some public places.
• Working as a Melbourne escort for sex services while you are infected with an STI.

These are the common offenses that may lead to fines, and jailing for up to 15 years. However, the law is clear on all of the offenses and one should double check them, especially when working as a Melbourne escort.

Conclusion

So, is it legal to offer Melbourne escort services? Yes, it is, but models and anyone else must operate within the guiding law. Now that you know what is required of you, it is easy to become an escort in Melbourne or any other part of Victoria.