South Australia has become the first state in the country to introduce a dedicated set of work safety guidelines for the adult entertainment industry, following alarming revelations about the hazards faced by strippers in Adelaide clubs.
From Pole Falls to Unsanitary Conditions: The Hidden Dangers
The push for reform gained momentum after former workers and industry advocates detailed a range of serious risks. These included performers suffering injuries from falls while using poles and encountering dance chairs that had been urinated on by patrons. Other reported issues involved gruelling night shifts and intrusive practices like weight monitoring.
The situation prompted a crackdown by state authorities on venues across Adelaide. In response, SafeWork SA has developed a new suite of guidelines and factsheets specifically tailored to protect workers in this sector. This initiative marks an Australian first, setting a precedent for other states.
A Former Worker's Story Fuels Change
The campaign for better protections was powerfully underscored by the testimony of a former South Australian stripper. Her firsthand account of the industry's working conditions brought the often-overlooked safety issues into the public spotlight. She described an environment where physical injury and disrespectful, unhygienic practices were not uncommon.
Her revelations, combined with advocacy efforts, were instrumental in convincing regulators that specific, enforceable standards were necessary to ensure a basic duty of care for employees in adult entertainment venues.
What the New Protections Mean
The new framework developed by SafeWork SA is designed to provide clear direction to both venue operators and workers. The guidelines are expected to cover critical areas such as:
- Physical safety: Addressing risks associated with equipment like poles and stages to prevent falls and injuries.
- Health and hygiene: Enforcing standards for clean and safe working environments.
- Workplace policies: Clarifying expectations around shift structures, conduct, and worker rights.
The materials were released in December 2025, as announced by SafeWork SA. This move represents a significant step toward professionalising the industry and acknowledging the right of these workers to a safe and respectful workplace, free from preventable harm.
While the implementation and enforcement of these new rules will be the next critical test, the creation of nation-leading protections is being hailed as a major victory for worker advocacy in South Australia.
