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

Naughty America Launches AR Video Format 'Shows' on Real Girls Now Platform

Naughty America has launched "Shows," a new AR video format, on its Real Girls Now platform.

Alexis James Makes Her Kink.com Debut

Alexis James has made her Kink.com debut alongside Vince Karter in "Three Hole Domination."

Eris Jolie, Leah Hayes Front Latest From TransAngels

Eris Jolie and Leah Hayes star with Baxxx in the latest release from TransAngels, titled “Varsity Vixens.”

Olivia Del Rio Returns to Dorcel for 'PL4Y Vol. 2'

Olivia Del Rio stars in the new Dorcel title “PL4Y Vol. 2.”

Eve Sweet Leads Dorcel's 'Couture No. 3'

Reigning Euro XMAs Female Performer of the Year Eve Sweet headlines the latest release from Dorcel, titled “Couture No. 3.”

AEBN Reveals Ariel Demure as Top Trans Star for 2025

AEBN has revealed its top 10 trans stars list for 2025, with reigning XMAs Trans Performer of the Year Ariel Demure landing atop the leaderboard.

YourPaysitePartner Rebrands as Paysite.com

YourPaysitePartner has officially been rebranded as Paysite.com.

SWR Data Announces 2026 'State of Creator' Winter Report

Adult industry market research outfit SWR Data has announced that it will release data from its annual State of the Creator survey at an XBIZ LA workshop, taking place at the Kimpton Everly Hotel.

Holly Randall Launches Marketing Firm, Signs Stripchat Deal

Holly Randall has launched her new marketing firm, Holly Randall Agency, and signed the agency’s first deal with Stripchat.

Agatha Vega Returns to Dorcel for 'Agatha's Secrets'

2024 Euro XMAs Performer of the Year Agatha Vega stars in the new Dorcel title “Agatha’s Secrets.”

Show More