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

Utah Governor Signs 'Porn Tax' and VPN Rule Into Law

Governor Spencer Cox on Friday signed into law a bill to tax adult websites and make them liable if minors circumvent geolocation.

BranditScan Launches 'White Glove' Subscription Tier

BranditScan has launched its new White Glove subscription tier for creators.

WIFEY Celebrates 1st Anniversary With Return of Tiffani Time

Vixen Media Group studio imprint WIFEY is marking its first anniversary with the return of Tiffani Time in a new scene alongside her husband Ben, Isiah Maxwell, and Hollywood Cash.

Cherry Candle, Scarlet Skies Headline Latest 'Lesbian Seductions'

Cherry Candle and Scarlet Skies topline the 82nd volume of “Lesbian Seductions” from Girlfriends Films.

Alanna Pow Stars in Latest From Brazzers

Alanna Pow stars with reigning and three-time XMAs Male Performer of the Year Vince Karter in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Alanna's Bitty Bikini Comes Right Off."

German Court: Regulator Can't Block Creator's IG Account, Only Posts

A German court has ruled that while a regional media regulatory agency may block specific Instagram posts that include material deemed harmful to minors, it cannot ban an entire Instagram account due to such a post.

Brazil Lays Out Preliminary Guidelines for New AV Requirements

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Wednesday signed a decree establishing guidelines for new regulations requiring adult websites to age-verify users located in Brazil.

Senate Committee Debates Section 230 Reform

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing Wednesday on potential changes to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects interactive computer services — including adult platforms — from liability for user-generated content.

Samantha Reigns Stars in St. Paddy's Day-Themed Release From TeamSkeet

Samantha Reigns stars with Donnie Rock in a new St. Patrick’s Day-themed scene from TeamSkeet series “Brat Tamer,” titled “St. Patrick's Day Nipple Pinching.”

Pearl Industry Network Offers Free Creator Memberships

Industry trade group Pearl Industry Network (PiN) has launched its free creator membership initiative.

Show More