Sex workers are elated and relieved at "long overdue" news the ACT government intends to decriminalise sex work.

Advocacy group DecrimACT have called ACT's sex work laws some of the most conservative in the country.

On Monday, Attorney-General Tara Cheyne announced that a discussion paper will be released before the end of the year.

Sex worker, author and activist Hilary Caldwell from DecrimACT said legalisation was a welcome step.

"Every sex worker who works in the ACT will be relieved by today's announcement," she said on Tuesday.

"It will make a big difference to our lives and to the lives of sex workers of the future."

In the ACT, brothels must only operate in Fyshwick and Mitchell and be licensed. Private sex work is only legal if done alone.

"I think most people in the ACT

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