Poll Shows Australian Policy Makers Out of Touch on Sex

CANBERRA — A recent national opinion poll conducted in Australia by Newspoll on the sale of X-rated films suggests that state government bans on adult films are out of touch with the majority of Australians.

According to the poll, approximately 70 percent of Australian adults favor overturning bans on the sale of non-violent, X18+ films. The percentage jumps to 82 percent for 18-24 year olds.

The survey also shows that people who have children support the availability of adult material significantly more than those who don't. Specifically, 80 percent of Australians who have children are in favor of non-violent erotica being legal and available from adult shops compared to 69 percent of those who do not have children.

Fiona Patten, CEO of Australian-based adult industry trade group Eros Association, expressed her disappointment that even though more than 50,000 people would be attending the Sydney Sexpo this week in the anticipation of seeing and buying federally classified X-rated films, the state’s prohibition on the product meant that they would be let down.

“Most people who buy and watch X-rated films do so with a partner and 70 percent of the attendees at Sexpo will be couples,” Patten said. “State governments are stopping people in relationships from exploring their sexuality by imposing these draconian bans and forcing police to arrest adult shop operators in Kings Cross for selling non-violent erotica. This unpopular law means that adult shop employees are made into criminals for selling ‘Debbie Does Dallas’ to an adult.”

Patten said that the high percentage of parents who support sexually explicit films was proof that they found them positive for their sex lives and helpful in procreation, adding that it came as no surprise that the poll showed only 53 percent of people over 50 supporting the restricted availability of adult erotic films to adults.

Sexpo runs from Thursday July 24 to Sunday July 27, at the Hordern Pavilion and Royal Hall of Industries, in Moore Park.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Ember Snow, Teal Conrad Topline 'Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 3'

Ember Snow and Teal Conrad headline “Lesbian Neighbor Affairs 3” from Girlfriends Films.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Chloe Amour Fronts Latest From New Sensations

Chloe Amour stars with Milan Ponjevic in the latest release from New Sensations, titled "He’s in Charge."

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Octavia Red Stars in Latest From Deeper

Octavia Red stars with Manuel Ferrera in the latest release from Vixen Media Group studio imprint Deeper, titled “She Done Him Wrong.”

Canadian Senator Revives Push for National AV Law

Sen. Julie Miville-Dechêne, whose previous multiple attempts to legislate national age verification requirements all failed, has introduced a new bill that would impose fines of up to $500,000 on adult sites that do not implement age verification for Canadian viewers.

Sarah Arabic, Vicki Chase Topline Dorcel's 'The Next Step'

Sarah Arabic and Vicki Chase star with multi-XMAs winner Seth Gamble in the latest feature from Dorcel, titled “The Next Step.”

FSC Submits Statement to House Committee in Support of FIRM Act

Free Speech Coalition has announced that it submitted a statement to the House Financial Services Committee in support of the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act.The announcement follows:

Plaiir Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Plaiir has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Show More