HOBART sex workers have come out strongly against their anti-prostitution opponents, as debate heats up over the state's sex industry legislation.

A recent Justice Department review of the Sex Industry Offences Act 2005 recommended the State Government consider "alternatives" to the existing Tasmanian sex laws.

One of the possibilities for reform would be legalising brothels, which is advocated by sex workers but vehemently opposed by religious organisations.

Concerned with recent comments made by the Coalition Against Legalised Brothels and the Australian Christian Lobby – both strongly opposed to prostitution - three Hobart sex workers spoke out to the Sunday Tasmanian against what they called a "campaign of misinformation".

They said it was particularly disappointing the Australian Christian Lobby had stigmatised their profession by calling it "inherently exploitative" .

Lucy, not her real name, gave an insight into the life of a "typical" sex worker by providing a diary of her week's work.

"I pay taxes, I vote, I pay a mortgage and have a daughter," she said.

"I go to church.

"I grew up in a family of faith and I still carry that with me.

"When I finish a day at work, I am not a sex worker."

Another worker, Cindy, also not her real name, said she hoped the words of sex workers would be listened to as alternatives to the current legislative model are discussed over coming months.

"We have been a bit disappointed about the way opponents of the sex industry have been represented since the review was released," she said.

"The religious stance is that we are being exploited. "A lot of us find that very offensive, especially since they have not .had any conversations with the people who are actually working in the sex industry."

Emma, not her real name, said most sex workers wanted to see brothels legalised.

"This profession is never going to go away," she said. "In South Australia, where all sex work is illegal, the main newspaper still prints a full page of ads every day. "The police there realise there is nothing they can do about it. I would hope the Government would see that we are always going to be here, and would recognise that by ensuring that our health and safety is the priority - not locking us up."

A Week with Lucy:

Monday morning is a blur. Where did I put the school blazer? Drop my daughter to school, followed by coffee in Lower Sandy Bay with friends. See a regular client mid morning. A sweet man, kind and gentle. Off to the state library to read newspapers (good to know what is going on interstate for small talk with clients) and return the books that are overdue. I always forget them! See a second client for an hour at the Henry Jones Art Hotel. He saw my photos on a website. Straightforward booking and he said he’d email in a few weeks when he is back in town. Always great to have mainland regulars.

Tuesday I go to my nine-to-five job. Have some important deadlines, so crazy busy. A client messages mid-morning (my "work phone" is on silent in my desk draw) and we make plans to spend 30 minutes together over lunch. Really easy client. No Sex. Eat my lunch as I keep working, one of the downsides to lunchtime bookings. Rush to pick up my daughter from after-school care. Have a friend over for pizza and wine.

Wednesday starts badly as can’t find my joggers. They must be at my ‘work flat’. Cindy is working from there today. We share the space. Have to skip planned trip to the gym as don’t want to interrupt her midway through a booking! Go into the office for a monthly staff meeting. Making a presentation so I am a bit nervous. Rush to school for mothers help. Cindy calls as I am arriving home. She has a client who has a two-girl fantasy. Organise a baby sitter to come when my daughter has gone to sleep, spend an hour getting ready and head to the work. Booking done by midnight.

Thursday is beautician first up. As I’m expecting to be paid for sex, I want to make sure my waxing, nails and skin is perfect (or as perfect as I can get it!). Send emails to four clients whilst I have a pedicure, so as to let them know I will be available tomorrow afternoon. Have had my regular two-hour Friday afternoon booking cancel (his wife is unwell and he can’t get away). Go into the office until time for school run.

Friday morning is grocery shopping followed by a couple of hours in the office. Three of the four clients I emailed the previous day want to catch up. I go home to read a book for an hour to relax before what will be a busy afternoon. Get to the ‘work flat’ around one pm. First booking is straightforward; I have a bit of a crush on him. Second client is more “active” and I feel as if I made up for missing the gym earlier in the week. Third guy is running late, which is frustrating. I call my mum and get her to go and get my daughter. My mum does not know I am a sex worker. She offers to have her overnight, which is a nice surprise as I may go out with friends. Third guy finally arrives. He has been at a "long lunch" so booking takes the full hour! Too tired to go out.

Saturday morning I sleep-in. No six am alarm! Go down to Salamanca for breakfast around 9 am and grab some flowers and vegies from the market. Head to mum’s to get my daughter and off to dancing lessons. One of her friends comes home with us. A mainland regular calls. He wants to see me at eleven pm at Hadley’s. I don’t want to go, as it is so late. Friends come over for dinner and I tell them I am tired to give me time to get ready for booking. Cindy comes over just before twelve to babysit. Booking is great once I’m there.

Sunday I have lunch with friends at Peppermint Bay. I am pretty tired, but no one seems to notice. My daughter and I see a movie in the afternoon. Once she is in bed I sit down and email a couple of clients, check my online advertising and do some paperwork. I Decide to put an add in the Adult Services section, as I have an extra day away from the office this week. Rent on my work flat and house mortgage due this week. I have tax records to fill in plus need to find receipts from Adult Shop before end of financial year. Had planned to do some reading, but fall asleep in front of the television….

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