A hostile reaction from the traditionally conservative Legislative Council spelled the demise of proposed reforms to the sex industry in 2005.

Instead, the Sex Offences Act 2005 outlawing brothels was passed.

New faces in the Legislative Council and a change of heart for at least one MLC means reforms are likely to succeed next time.

Last week the state government released a long-awaited discussion paper on reforming the sex industry, a key step towards developing new laws.

Under the existing law, sex workers must work alone or with one other person.

Western Tiers MLC Greg Hall agreed there was a need for change.

``I can see the direction (the state government) may be taking and while I supported the legislation last time, in retrospect, I have wondered personally whether I made the right decision at the time,'' Mr Hall said.

``Perhaps the industry would be better served if it's regulated by having licensed premises.''

Murchison MLC Ruth Forrest said she was concerned about the health and safety impacts of forcing sex workers to work in isolation.

She also called for more support for sex workers to leave the industry.

Rumney MLC Tony Mulder, elected last year, said he supported legalising brothels. He also said there needed to be regular health checks for sex workers.

``It should be a regulated industry. We need to see it as a workplace,'' he said.

Several others, including Launceston MLC Rosemary Armitage, said they were open to change and were interested in the outcomes of the discussion paper.

``It's not ideal what's happening now, there's got to be protection for everyone,'' Ms Armitage said.

Huon MLC Paul Harriss said he would be reluctant to support an overhaul of the laws.