HIV and the Sex Industry

In the 1980’s sex workers in Australia responded quickly to the threat of HIV infection. Condom usage rates rose and thanks to sex workers sharing information, our knowledge of the virus educated clients and the rest of the community. There is no known case in Australia of a sex worker transmitting the virus to a client through sex work. Scarlet Alliance supports the rights of HIV+ sex workers to continue to work, and believe there is no justification for attempting to identify and remove sex workers who are HIV+ from the sex industry. Sex workers continue to play a role in educating clients (and through clients, the broader community) about the need for condom usage and safe sex practices, and as such are an important part in public policy concerning HIV prevention.

"Redefining AIDS In Asia - Crafting an Effective Response" Report of the Commission on AIDS in Asia 2008 Download PDF report on HIV in Asia, 1.59Mb. This report explores the regional issues, and reminds us that HIV knows no borders - thus we must approach HIV issues from a regional perspective.

UNGASS, Keeping the Promise Link to this website, dedicated to following international HIV policy targets. Link to official UNGASS Website

Review of the 4th National Strategy HIV/AIDS Scarlet Alliance Scarlet paints a bleak picture of Government commitment to support sex workers and sex worker organisations, and addresses terms of reference of the review. (4th National Strategy

Different perspectives on the epidemic Sue Metzenrath, AFAO presentation 2002. Sue proposes that sex workers are still denied a place in the debate regarding HIV/AIDS education, and explores the effects this has had on the sex industry.

International HIV/AIDS Education Kit Sex Work Scarlet Alliance, 2000 A positive and glossy report on the positives of HIV/AIDS education in Australia as carried out by sex worker organizations.

Successful HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies in Australia; The Role of Sex Worker Organisations Penelope Saunders 1999 A brief look at the contribution of sex worker organizations to community based HIV prevention in Australia, the role of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, and the ramifications of criminalisation of the industry.

The Constutution of AIDS in Australia: Taking ‘Government at a Distance’ Seriously John Ballard A walk through Australian Government response to HIV/AIDS with minor reference to sex work. Provides an overview of policy and some of the motivations behind funding of HIV/AIDS Education programs, and argues the success of ‘Government at a distance’ policies. Written in 1999.

International HIV/AIDS Policy Information Kit, Background and Critique John Ballard This previously unpublished paper was written for the kit in June 1998, but was since discarded in favour of a less critical view. An easy to read discussion of health policy development in Australia and input into the Third National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

Address to the Melbourne ICAAP Conference 2001 Sharon Burrows; President ACTU; A populist but pro-human rights approach by the trade union leader. At the time she was the president of the International Congress of Free Trade Unions (Asia Pacific Region). She mentions the effect of work on peoples’ susceptibility to HIV infection and poverty, and “it is vital that these women (sex workers) are seen as being engaged in work and therefore have the same rights as other workers to organise and to expect that their right to health and safety at work are respected.”

Handbook for Legislators on HIV/AIDS, Law and Human Rights UNAIDS Interparliamentary Union. A beaurocratic but none the less powerful internationalist approach to domestic laws. “Criminal law in the area of prostitution impedes the provision of HIV/AIDS prevention and care by driving people engaged in the industry underground. Such laws should be reviewed with the aim to decriminalise sex work…” (Pg 56)

Updated 22nd April 2008