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 © 2026 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

Falcon/NakedSword Turns the Page With FalconINK Publishing Launch

Your local bookstore may not be the first place you’d expect to take in the latest Falcon/NakedSword release, but that could soon change as the gay adult film studio turns the page with FalconINK, a full-service publishing venture offering original fiction in print, e-book and audiobook formats.

ChatGains Joins Pineapple Support as Partner-Level Sponsor

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

Private Releases 2nd Volume of 'Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis'

Private has released the second volume of “Horny Women: Mid-Life Crisis,” directed by Xavi Rocka.

Charlie Forde, Mickey Mod & Derek Kage Star in 'A Surprise for Charlie' From Dorcel

Charlie Forde stars with Mickey Mod and multi-XMAs winner Derek Kage in “A Surprise for Charlie,” from Dorcel.

VMG Celebrates 10th Anniversary of 'Vixen' Imprint

Vixen Media Group (VMG) is marking the 10th anniversary of its flagship studio imprint, Vixen.

Gal Ritchie, Rissa May Lead Latest From Bellesa Plus

Gal Ritchie and Rissa May star in the new release from Bellesa Plus, titled “Double-Booked.”

Ivy Ireland Toplines Vince Karter's 'Back to Dark'

Ivy Ireland headlines reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter’s latest Evil Angel directorial, “Back to Dark.”

Jazmin Black Performs 1st All-Girl Scene in Her Girlsway Debut

Jazmin Black performs her first all-girl scene in her Girlsway debut, alongside Ella Reese and Jewelz Blu, in the studio’s latest release, “Throuple’s Counseling.”

Richard Mann Drops New Evil Angel Scene With Daisy Stone, Alexis James

Daisy Stone and Alexis James star in an Evil Angel scene alongside director/performer Richard Mann.

Abella Danger Serves Glamour and Gab at Live 'Danger She Spoke' Premiere

Multi-XMA-winning performer Abella Danger slipped into a sexy new role Thursday night, making her talk show host debut with "The Abella Show: Danger She Spoke," a new show and podcast featuring revealing conversations with fellow performers and industry personalities.

Show More