The following are some things to consider when starting work as a professional sex worker in the ACT. Remember, in the ACT you have two choices for sex work within the law – working privately or working in a brothel. If you have further questions regarding information provided here, contact SWOP.
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Private work
As a private worker you:
- Can work from either your home or a motel
- Set your own hours
- Set your own rates
- Keep all the money you earn
- Arrange your own security, eg. a driver for escorts
- Answer all incoming calls and talk directly to clients
- Do you own advertising (most commonly in the Canberra Times Adult Services Section)
- Register as a sole operator with the Office of Fair Trading
- Pay your own tax (all your working expenses are tax deductible)
Working in a brothel
As a worker in a brothel you:
- Work in a Fyshwick or Mitchell location, depending where the brothel is situated
- Work set hours (shifts usually start around 7pm and finish around 3pm but may be later on Friday and Saturday nights)
- Take a cut of the fee charged by the brothel (worker usually gets between 50% and 60% of the fee charged)
- Have a receptionist screen client calls and explain rates and rules clients
- Have the brothel organise advertising
- Have security supplied by the brothel, eg. in-house and escort driver
- Don’t have to register individually with the Office of Fair Trading (the brothel is required to register as a commercial brothel)
- Pay your own tax (all your working expenses are tax deductible)
Questions to ask when starting in a brothel
- What fees does the brothel charge and what is my cut?
- What hours are I expected to work and what days can I have off?
- What is the minimum/maximum number of shifts I am required to work in a week?
- Are there fines for not turning up for a shift? (nb. Bonds, shift fees and fines are illegal in the ACT)
- How much notice should I give if I cannot make a shift?
- Do I get my cut of the fee as soon as the client pays or at the end of each shift?
- What are the dress rules?
- Is there somewhere safe to store my belongings, ie. Can I have a locker?
- What am I expected to provide as a standard service?
- Does the brothel supply all condoms, lubricant, dams, gloves etc? (ACT Workcover requires these to be provided free of charge)
- Do I have the right to refuse to see a client? (eg. If he is very drunk or being otherwise obnoxious)
- Can I keep all money for tips/extras/fantasies that I negotiate with the client (eg. Golden Showers, Greek)?
- Do I get paid credit card money straight away or do I have to wait?
- How many workers are employed on one shift and how many rooms are there?
- How often am I required to produce a medical certificate?
- Am I expected to work when I have my period?
- Is tax the brothels or my responsibility? If it is the brothel’s, what about super and worker’s comp?
Positives of choosing sex work
- High hourly rate which means you can get yourself out of financial trouble very quickly
- More time to spend on yourself and your family
- No stress when applying for the job - you don’t need resumes or references from employers
- You don’t need qualifications or previous experience
Negatives of choosing sex work
- Stereotyping by the community
- You may not be able to tell friends and relatives that you are working in the sex industry
- Shift work
- You may find it is difficult to leave the industry because other jobs do not compare on an hourly rate basis
See also
Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature and is meant as a guide only. SWOP accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, currency, completeness or relevance for purpose of any material contained herein. SWOP recommends that workers exercise care when using the information and obtain professional advice appropriate to their circumstances.