Ambassador to counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking

Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator The Hon Penny Wong 
Leader of the Government in the Senate

Attorney-General 
The Hon Michelle Rowland MP

Joint media release

Today we announce the appointment of Ms Jane Duke as Australia’s next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

Ms Duke’s appointment highlights the Albanese Government's ongoing commitment to working with partners as we strive to eradicate all forms of modern slavery.

Ms Duke will play a leading role in driving international cooperation, including close collaboration our region, to strengthen responses to modern slavery.

She will also be fundamental in promoting Australia’s work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process – the preeminent regional consultative forum for addressing the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and related transnational crime.

Ms Duke is a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and was most recently Assistant Secretary, Southeast Asia Maritime Branch.

She has previously served overseas as Consul-General, Los Angeles; Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Jakarta; Deputy Head of Mission, Australian High Commission, Kuala Lumpur; and Counsellor (Immigration), Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Geneva.

The Albanese Government has worked hard to enhance our efforts to counter modern slavery. Last year, we established Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner to support victims, raise awareness, and help businesses address risks in their supply chains.

We were also recognised as one of 33 countries to achieve a Tier One ranking in the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.

We thank former Ambassador Lynn Bell for her contribution and commitment to Australia's mission to counter modern slavery, people smuggling and human trafficking.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong: 

"Modern slavery knows no borders, which is why our ambassador’s role in engaging the international community is critical to our efforts to combat these abhorrent crimes."

"Human trafficking and modern slavery affect more than 50 million people worldwide."

"Australia remains committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery, working internationally through our world-first ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program and as a leader in the Bali Process, and at home through the establishment of our nation’s first independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner."

Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland: 

"Modern slavery deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the Government has been clear that there is no place for these exploitative and sickening crimes.

"The Government is taking action to continue the fight against modern slavery, including through strengthening the Modern Slavery Act, building on our existing wide-ranging efforts to stamp out these practises.

"I congratulate Ms Duke on her appointment and look forward to working with her as we strive towards combatting modern slavery in all its forms."