Sex workers say The Daily Telegraph misrepresented the industry in a series of inflammatory articles about brothels this week.

The paper claims that the tough new laws introduced by the NSW Government 18 months ago, designed to stamp out illegal brothels, are not working.

The reports quoted the "Adult Business Association" which claims that a growing number of illegal brothels with poor health standards are operating throughout Sydney.

But sex worker groups say labeling brothels “illegal” simply contributes to the demonisation of prostitution.

They say there's no such thing as “illegal” brothels, rather their development applications have not been approved by the council.

Elena Jeffrey’s, President of the Scarlet Alliance, spoke with 2SER’s Erin Smith.