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

2027 XBIZ Exec Awards Nominees Announced for Adult Entertainment Edition

XBIZ is pleased to announce the nominees for the adult entertainment industry edition of the 2027 XBIZ Exec Awards, set to be presented as part of the annual XBIZ Honors ceremony on Friday, Jan. 8, in conjunction with the XBIZ 2027 event series.

Jennifer White Fronts Dorcel's 'Vampire Night'

Reigning XMAs Female Performer of the Year Jennifer White stars with Milan Ponjevic in the latest release from Dorcel, titled "Vampire Night," directed by Ricky Greenwood.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Effective Parenting' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group for performers with children.

Armani Black Leads Latest From Elegant Angel

Armani Black stars with Jax Slayer in the latest release from Elegant Angel, titled "Candy for the Boogeyman."

Octavia Red, Abigaiil Morris Star in Latest From Brazzers

Octavia Red and Abigaiil Morris star with Van Wylde in the latest release from Brazzers, titled "Never Have I Ever."

XMA Nominations Party Set for Nov. 17 at Avalon Hollywood

A night that sets the stage for the flagship XMAs, this year’s nominations reveal party will take place at Avalon Hollywood on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with red-carpet arrivals starting at 8 p.m.

BrattyGirls.com Launches Through PAYSITE

Producer Robert Peru has launched his newest membership site, BrattyGirls, through PAYSITE.

Octavia Red, Kate Dalia Topllne Latest 'Lesbian Roommates' From Sweetheart Video

Reigning XMAs Girl/Girl Performer of the Year Octavia Red and Kate Dalia headline the second volume of "Lesbian Roommates," from Mile High Media studio imprint Sweetheart Video.

Arcom Issues Warnings to 3 Adult Sites Over Age Verification

French media regulator Arcom has issued formal notices to the providers of three adult websites that the agency says have failed to implement age verification as required under French law.

Elise London Makes Her MILFY Debut

Elise London has made her debut for Vixen Media Group studio, starring in MILFY alongside Derek Savage.

Show More