Sex Worker Legal Program Impact Report and Strategy Launch

On November 27 we welcomed over 60 stakeholders to launch the Sex Worker Legal Program 3-Year Impact Report (2022–2025) and the refreshed Sex Worker Legal Program Strategy (2026–2028)

The afternoon began with a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri Elder Colin Hunter, followed by a reflection from Commissioner Fiona McLeay of the Victorian Legal Services Board. We extend our gratitude to the VLSB+C who were the primary funding partner of the Sex Worker Legal Program from 2022-2025.

Our heartfelt thanks to the following speakers and panelists who brought depth and honesty to the discussion – and whose fierce advocacy continues to drive progress:

  • Rachel Payne MP, Member for the South-East Metropolitan Region, Legalise Cannabis Party
  • Gia Green, Manager, Vixen
  • Emily Smith, Program Manager & Senior Lawyer, Southside Justice
  • Fiona Patten, former Victorian MP and leader of the Review into the Decriminalisation of Sex Work
  • Rory La Roche, Vixen Street Project
  • Sasha, independent worker and documentary filmmaker

The robust discussions reflected key findings of the Impact Report, including:

  • The importance of funded peer-informed services that centre the lived experience of sex workers. Sex workers are experts in their own lives and need to have agency in the processes and reforms that affect them.

  • The need for greater accountability from our public institutions in how they respond to sex workers’ health, safety and workplace rights.

  • The need for strategic legal representation that tests legislation and sets precedent, putting bad actors on notice and promoting improved standards across the industry.

Our new Strategy for 2026–2028 builds on these findings and commits to driving systemic change by strengthening our peer-led partnerships, expanding legal advocacy and pursuing strategic litigation.

Acknowledgements and thanks

We proudly acknowledge the vital contributions of Vixen, Victoria’s peer sex worker organisation, whose leadership and activism remain central to this work. We also acknowledge our valued collaboration with RhED (part of Better Health Network).

We thank the Victorian Legal Services Board for providing the space for the event and for their funding support. We also thank the Victorian Government, notably the DJCS, for its funding support.

Our thanks to our pro bono partners HSF Kramer, for sponsoring the event and providing a pro bono secondee, and Clayton Utz, for their ongoing support and for also contributing a pro bono secondee.

And most importantly, Victorian sex workers — thank you for your tenacity, trust and advocacy.

Key resources

Photo gallery

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