By Rachael Wong

New South Wales Parliamentarians, predominantly independent MP Alex Greenwich followed by his merry band of Labor and Greens MPs, have succeeded in erasing women’s rights and protections in NSW and beyond.

Today, we sent the below letter to NSW Premier Chris Minns and Members of the NSW Parliament about the grave concerns that Women's Forum Australia, our supporters and the NSW community, continue to have with regard to independent MP Alex Greenwich's Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023 and his recently proposed amendments:

It was an honour to have South Australian Liberal MLC Nicola Centofanti come and speak to us in Adelaide over the weekend about the critical work she is doing to combat the exploitation of women in prostitution.

Today, the NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Community Services tabled its report inquiring into Independent MP Alex Greenwich’s Equality Legislation Amendment (LGBTIQA+) Bill 2023, recommending that Parliament proceeds to consider the Bill.

It’s been a big couple of weeks for NSW. But first, a quick recap for context.

Politicians in NSW and Queensland are trying to further liberalise prostitution in those states, claiming that removing restrictions around prostitution will “promote health” and “safety”, ensuring it is treated “like any other job”.

The Queensland Parliament returned on Tuesday, and Steven Miles is using his first sitting week as Premier to introduce reforms that will further entrench the sexual exploitation and traumatisation of vulnerable women, making clear his priorities ahead of the state’s upcoming October election.

The Project has been forced to delete an interview after receiving severe public condemnation and backlash.

Women's Forum Australia commends the introduction of legislation establishing Australia's first federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus. The announcement comes with a commitment of $8 million over four years to support the Commission's foundation and operations.

By Stephanie Bastiaan

On the 30th of August, Upper House Liberal Leader Nicola Centofanti introduced the Summary Offences (Prostitution Law Reform) Amendment Bill 2023, making South Australia the first state to debate prostitution reforms based on the Nordic Model, also known as the Equality Model. Following the failures of ‘regulated’ or decriminalised legislative models rolled out in other states across Australia, it is a welcome development.