WAGGA sex workers who support strict new regulations are the ignorant minority, according to a group of escorts fighting against a possible legislative overhaul.
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A number of escorts currently working in Wagga earlier this week backed a proposal to introduce registration and licences for sex workers in NSW, like they have in Victoria. But the call has drawn criticism from another Wagga escort, "Emma", who says self-regulation is the safest method.
"(Some escorts) do come here and not play by the rules," she said. "Whether they are licensed or not, it's up to the person to make sure they do the (health) checks."
Emma's stance is supported by research conducted by the Law and Sexworker Health (LASH) team, which was commissioned by NSW Health. It found the prevalence of STIs among NSW sex workers was "at least as low as the general population".
It also found introduction of licences led to an "unlicensed underclass". "The underclass is wary of and avoids surveillance systems and public health services ... thus, licensing is a threat to public health," it found.
Currently in NSW, brothels need only council approval to operate and escorts are unregulated. It was a pre-election proposal by the O'Farrell government to introduce licences and use the annual fees to resource local government officers to monitor compliance.
"The feedback (from brothel owners) is they're keen to see a crackdown on illegitimate brothels, but they're naturally cautious of paying licensing fees," then opposition spokesman for intergovernmental operations, Chris Hartcher, said at the time.
He was right about the caution.
"We don't want red flashing lights off our homes, we don't want to be treated like criminals, we just want to quietly and discreetly go about our business," Albury-based escort, "Holly", said.
