Clover: No sex work register

Home-based sex workers will not be required to register with the City Of Sydney despite rumours currently circulating in the sex industry, according to a spokesperson for Lord Mayor Clover Moore.

The City Of Sydney is currently reviewing its sex industry policy, causing concern among workers about what the outcomes will be.

A number of private sex workers contacted Sydney Star Observer this week outraged at rumours of a register, which would out them as sex workers not only to council but also to their neighbours.

Thomas O’Halloran told the Star a register would see him and other workers chased and harassed by the council.

He believed the mayor was pushing the proposal in a bid to look like she’s regulating the sex industry.

O’Halloran also feared council would try to prohibit private sex work altogether.

Another worker, Saul Isbister, said the alleged proposal was a corrupt and demented idea.

But a spokesperson for Moore said the council would not introduce a register.

We are absolutely not considering a register for private sex workers. We want to make that very clear. The Lord Mayor is very supportive of people who conduct businesses in the privacy of their own home.

Council is currently investigating how to integrate the different policies City Of Sydney and South Sydney councils had on home sex workers before the councils merged in February.

Private sex work is currently permitted in the areas of South Sydney and workers do not need to have council approval for their business. However, no more than one sex worker is allowed to work from each residence.

Private sex work was -“ and still is -“ prohibited within the old boundaries of City Of Sydney.

Moore’s spokesperson said that as part of the council review we are discreetly contacting private sex workers to talk to them about their situation and the best way forward.

Norrie May Welby, from Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP), and Erica Red, a sex worker rights activist, expres-sed concern the review could suggest restricting definitions of a private sex worker and make them apply for a business development application.

The City’s review will be completed in October.