Sex workers call for task force consultation Australia's sex worker industry has cautiously welcomed moves to establish a joint government task force to help combat sex slavery and trafficking.

In a verbal statement, the group representing the country's sex industry community, Scarlet Alliance, has welcomed the formation of a joint committee between the Commonwealth and the states.

But alliance manager Janelle Fawkes says the industry needs to be actively involved in the discussions.

"We would be concerned about relying on another working party that does not include, in its terms of reference, the need to consult with the sex worker community," she said.

"It is unlikely to produce evidence-based outcomes, without this consultation."

She says the governments will otherwise have trouble finding reliable research to help them.

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Updated 5th October 2006