World Day against Trafficking in Persons
Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister for Foreign Affairs
Senator the Hon Penny Wong
Attorney-General
Cabinet Secretary
The Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP
Joint media release
Today, on the 10th World Day against Trafficking in Persons, the Australian Government reaffirms our commitment to tackle modern slavery and to protect and support victims, survivors and individuals at risk.
This year’s global theme, ‘leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking’, shines a light on this appalling abuse of the most vulnerable members of society.
This year, the Albanese Government established Australia’s first federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The Commissioner will work across government, industry and civil society to support victims and survivors, raise awareness and help business address the risk of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains. Recruitment of the Commissioner is currently underway and will be progressed through a merit-based selection process.
We are also working closely with state and territory counterparts to enhance civil protections and remedies for individuals in, or at risk of, forced marriage – a modern slavery crime that disproportionately affects women and children. Public consultation to assist in developing this model is now open.
Australia’s efforts continue to be recognised globally, with Australia maintaining a Tier One ranking in the US Government’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report for the 21st year.
Australia takes a strong and inclusive approach to our response to human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery within our region. This includes our work with Indonesia as co-chairs of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, our support for the ASEAN-Australia Counter-Trafficking program, and our engagement with ASEAN member states to develop special measures for children involved in the justice process as victims, witnesses or suspected offenders.
Australia is also supporting Pacific Island Countries to implement the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its protocols, including its protocol on trafficking in persons.
If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of human trafficking, call 131 237 (131 AFP) or report online at afp.gov.au. In an emergency, call 000.