About
Our Principles
The decriminalisation of sex work in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, recognised sex work as a lawful occupation. The Sex Industry has a wealth of practical knowledge in dealing with a wide range of sexual issues and has the right to be respected and consulted as the primary stakeholders in any matters relating to the provision of sexual services in NSW.
As the initiators of the Touching Base Project, sex workers in NSW are actively pursuing this right.
People with a disability have an intrinsic right to sexual expression. This right enables people to develop relationships, have sex, explore and express their sexuality and achieve intimacy without personal or systemic barriers. Furthermore, necessary personal and systemic supports must be provided for the expression of this right.
Our Aims
As part of a commitment to supporting such rights, Touching Base NSW aims to:
- Facilitate the links between people with a disability, their support organisations and the Sex Industry
- Encourage information sharing and educational training programs for sex workers, people with a disability and their carers.
- Raise the public and professional awareness of the issues surrounding the access and provision of Sex Industry services for people with a disability.
Our Committee of Management
The Touching Base Inc Committee of Management includes individual people with disabilities and sex workers. Representatives from the following organisations also regularly attend our monthly meetings, or otherwise contribute in-kind assistance and/or resources to support the ongoing activities of Touching Base:
- People with Disability Australia Inc
- SWOP (Sex Workers' Outreach Project) NSW
- Family Planning NSW
- Brain Injury Community Rehabilitation Team - Royal Rehab, Sydney ( formerly Royal Rehabilitation Centre)
- The Spastic Centre of NSW
- Clinic 16 (Sexual Health Clinic) North Shore Hospital
Follow this link to our Rules of Association
» Our History
In September 2000, there were a series of conversations between a disability advocate and film maker, a sexual health professional and a sex worker.
» Outcomes of Our Work
Over the short history of our Touching Base Project, we have been constantly guided into action by our principles and aims. We move forward with the following outcomes already achieved.
» Overview of 1st Forum
The first ‘Touching Base Forum’ was held at the Mercure Hotel in Sydney, on February 18, 2001. About 50 people with disabilities, sex workers and carers attended, and many have reported the forum was a life changing experience.
Our website is dedicated to the memory of Bill Rigney, who was
inspirational and instrumental in the development of this website.