IT HAS been reported that the Gold Coast is losing “tens of millions of tourism dollars” each year because we don’t have a legal nude beach.

“It baffles me why the Government won’t permit it,” says the Australian Sex Party leader Robin Bristow.

Asking to see the justification for his potentially questionable figures may well make him as nervous as Turnbull being quizzed over the minutia of his Budget right now. However, Bristow’s point is valid.

Why can’t we have a nude beach? They do no harm.

There are plenty of nudist and clothing optional beaches across Australia. Why is Queensland the only state without a legal nude beach? And why wouldn’t we welcome one here on the Gold Coast with our endless kilometres of gorgeous coastline that tourists adore? It would make sense to create a safe, peaceful nudist beach for tourists and locals alike who want to indulge in some total tanning.

And even if the dollars secured fall short of the “tens of millions” Bristow confidently speaks of, we would certainly encourage more travellers from Europe. Any jaunt to that side of the world will swiftly enlighten eyes wide shut as to the strong European desire to tan naked.

Closer to home, attitudes are more open-minded in Adelaide where naked three legged races have been merrily trotting along since 1983.

Now, no one is suggesting naked races for the Gold Coast (yet) but what would be welcome is a quiet, respectful, secluded spot where people could confidently dare to bare and enjoy the feeling of naked sunbaking without a care in the world. I, for one, like to remove my tan lines (but then I regularly frequented European beaches growing up so I don’t scare easily).

In addition to his possibly wobbly figures, Bristow’s logic of linking justification for a nude beach to us having meter maids is a bad call and piping up about our “wild night-life” isn’t going to help matters either. The debatable sexism of meter maids and harsh criticism of our often overzealous night-life are both more likely to secure doubters than win fans. Using words such as “tolerant” and “progressive” is equally ill-advised.

On reflection, it’s unfortunate that the push for a nude beach is coming from the Australian Sex Party because this in itself ensures scepticism. Such beaches will automatically be presumed to be sleazy and conjure up unwanted mental images of naked lusty bodies writhing around on our glittering sand.

Truth is, there’s nothing sexy about nudist beaches and you don’t have to have a pass to the body beautiful club to attend. You’ll find all shapes and all sizes. If you don’t like them you’re perfectly entitled to stay away.

As for Tate, he says: “I don’t want us to be known as a nude destination. I don’t want people saying ‘hey, I want to get nude, let’s go to the Gold Coast.” Who knew he was such a prude? It’s as if even discussing the possibility has made him tuck his shirt a little tighter and straighten up his collar.

I’m not sure anyone sets off on holiday saying “my priority is simple, I want to get nude”. This isn’t a sex party; it’s the chance to remove your last few bits of fabric and enhance your tan on a beautiful beach without being arrested.

Why don’t we focus on the many serious issues facing the Gold Coast right now such as the booze crisis and ice epidemic and allow those who want to tan naked some freedom?

Besides, ‘Tate’s Tanning ­Lotion’’ could be a bestseller because no matter how cheeky you are, no one wants burnt buns.