Conclusion and Future Review

The PRA has been in force for five years. During that time, the sex industry has not increased in size, and many of the social evils predicted by some who opposed the decriminalisation of the sex industry have not been experienced. On the whole, the PRA has been effective in achieving its purpose, and the Committee is confident that the vast majority of people involved in the sex industry are better off under the PRA than they were previously.

However, progress in some areas has been slower that may have been hoped. Many sex workers are still vulnerable to exploitative employment conditions, and there are still reports of sex workers being forced to take clients against their will. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to note that most sex workers contacted during the research for this report were aware of their right to say ‘no’, and that some brothel operators’ behaviour in this respect has improved since the enactment of the PRA.

It is a truism that traditions and attitudes developed over many years cannot be changed overnight. The Committee acknowledges that there remains disapproval and dislike directed by some people at people who work in the sex industry and mistrust and suspicion directed at the authorities by some people in the sex industry. In this atmosphere, the Committee believes that a period of relationship building will be necessary before the rights and responsibilities of those in the sex industry will be fully realised. People working in the sex industry, and those working in organisations that deal with the sex industry, need to make positive efforts to work together. The recommendations in this report reflect this view.

The Committee does not consider further review of the operation of the PRA is necessary at this stage. However, because the current review has been undertaken a relatively short period after decriminalisation, and because some of the anticipated changes in the industry have been slow to eventuate, the Committee is of the view that an assessment of the impact of the PRA should be carried out at a later date. By 2018, fifteen years after its enactment, the longer-term impact of the PRA will be much clearer. Such a review should include an assessment of whether the PRA is achieving its purpose, if any unintended consequences have arisen (either positive or negative), and if the PRA requires amendment.

The research done for the Committee’s review and this report may act as baseline data for any future review. The Committee’s recommendations regarding ongoing monitoring of the numbers of sex workers in New Zealand (see chapter two) will also facilitate any further assessment of the impact of the PRA.