Modern slavery

Australia is actively working to prevent and respond to all forms of modern slavery, wherever they occur. Australia is committed to a future where no one experiences modern slavery.

The National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25 provides the strategic framework for Australia's response to modern slavery.

Under the Modern Slavery Act 2018, large companies must report on how they are preventing and addressing modern slavery risks in their global operations and supply chains.

Australia’s modern slavery offences are contained in Divisions 270 and 271 of the Criminal Code (Cth). They cover a range of practices, including slavery, servitude, forced labour, forced marriage, deceptive recruiting, debt bondage and human trafficking.

There are safe and free services to help you if you are in or at risk of modern slavery, including forced marriage. You can ask for help even if you are not sure you are experiencing modern slavery.

Australia's response to forced marriage forms part of the Australian Government's strategy to combat modern slavery. Forced marriage is also a form of honour-based and gender-based violence and can be a form of family and domestic violence.