The motion, moved by Tasmanian Young Labor’s Dee Endelmanis, for the party to draft legislation to this effect when in office received majority support from delegates at Saturday’s conference.

Ms Endelmanis said decriminalisation would result in stronger health and safety outcomes for sex workers, promote their improved social inclusion within the Tasmanian community, and protect human rights

She said sex workers deserved the same rights as all working Tasmanians and equal access to industrial and justice systems.

Newstead branch secretary Elliott Bell, who spoke against the motion, said while he supported safer working conditions for sex workers, he could not support full decriminalisation.

“Decriminalisation over time normalises and increases demand for sex work,” he said. “It’s irrefutable that this industry is an industry of exploitation.”