Two women recognised internationally for their work in the sex industry have had morning tea with politicians at South Australia's Parliament as part of a renewed push to change the state's sex work laws.

Key points: SA Greens MP Tammy Franks introduced legislation last year to decriminalise sex work

SA Greens MP Tammy Franks introduced legislation last year to decriminalise sex work Two sex workers visited Parliament today to push for change

Two sex workers visited Parliament today to push for change The legislation will be debated again in June

New Zealand's Dame Catherine Healy and Sydney's Julie Bates AO were recognised last year following decades of work in the sex industry and as activists to decriminalise their profession.

"I nearly had a heart attack when I was made a dame and you know, it's nice to have that accolade coming not only from your country but also the Queen," Dame Catherine said.

Ms Bates said she had come to South Australia to encourage politicians that decriminalising prostitution was the right move.

"We're here to tell South Australia and South Australian politicians that the sky didn't fall in," she said.

While much of her time is spent advocating for sex work reform, Ms Bates still works as a sex worker for senior citizens living with disabilities.

Thirteenth time lucky

Greens MP Tammy Franks introduced sex work legislation to Parliament last year, which she said was the 13th attempt at reform.

It received support from moderate Liberals but opposition from the Labor right.

Ms Franks said South Australia had some of the oldest and most outdated laws in the country when it came to sex work.

Prostitution laws in South Australia Under the Summary Offences Act 1953, the act of soliciting prostitution attracts a maximum penalty of $750, but those found to be living on the earnings from prostitution can be fined up to $2,500 or jailed for six months as an additional offence.

Clients of sex workers can be fined up to $1250 or jailed for three months for a first offence, with files and jail terms doubled for subsequent offences.

The penalties are outlined in the Summary Offences Act 1953 – 1.7.2013 under part five, section 25.

Legislation also outlaws landlords renting properties to tenants for the purpose of sex work.



"If they're adults and they're consenting, why is it the business of Parliament to outlaw that?" she said.

"We should be focusing on real crime."

She warned the laws were impacting on the safety of workers, with many too afraid to go to police when their safety was threatened out of fear they would be charged.

Last year, the ABC reported a "heavy handed" police crackdown on sex workers was pushing the industry underground.

Police figures at the time showed "suspected brothels" were entered 176 times, with more than 200 charges laid.

This was equivalent to a raid on a brothel every two days.

South Australia falling behind

Ms Bates said South Australia was renowned internationally as a leader in social policy but was falling behind when it came to the nation's laws surrounding sex work.

She said the laws meant that sex workers would limit contact with clients when they should be focussing on negotiating the service they would provide, for fear their client was an undercover policeman.

"You're fearful of police coming and knocking on your door," she said.

"I understand that police here have been very active in the last two years — in NSW and in NZ [they have found] if you decriminalise the industry, you don't have to fear that anymore.

"Police can not be protectors and regulators at the same time — it simply doesn't work."

The bill is due to return to Parliament in June.