Calls by local and state tattoo artists to open their studios the same day as beauty salons on June 1 has been met with little support from state MPs.

One tattoo artist in particular, Nicola Gao, believes that with artists being trained and certified in cross contamination as well as many other medical safety and sterility procedures, tattoo studios pose less health risks than some beauty salons.

“Artists take a lot of pride in hygine, it’s not really important if someone can bang out good work if they are tattooing you in a disgusting environement, it’s really important in the industry” Ms Gao said.

The issue arose following Wollongong popular tattoo parlour, Fresh Ink, closing its doors for good, citing COVID-19 and building lease related issues.