Modern slavery and Australia's response
Modern slavery is when someone is forced to work, marry or do other things through coercion (like manipulation, control or violence), threats or lies. It takes away someone’s freedom to make choices for themselves.
Modern slavery has many forms. It includes human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices such as forced labour and forced marriage.
Find out more about the types of modern slavery.
Australia’s response to modern slavery
Australia is actively working to prevent and respond to all forms of modern slavery, wherever they occur. This includes protecting and supporting people experiencing or at risk of modern slavery.
We coordinate the Australian Government's response to modern slavery. As part of this work, we:
- chair coordination and consultation mechanisms
- oversee and implement strategies, policies and programs
- administer key legislation.
Find out more about Australia’s response to modern slavery.
Interdepartmental Committee on Human Trafficking and Slavery
We chair the Australian Government Interdepartmental Committee on Human Trafficking and Slavery (IDC). The IDC is responsible for overseeing Australia's response to modern slavery. It is made up of 13 agencies:
- Attorney-General's Department (chair)
- Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission
- Australian Federal Police
- Australian Institute of Criminology
- Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions
- Department of Education
- Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
- Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
- Department of Home Affairs
- Australian Border Force
- Department of Social Services
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
- Fair Work Ombudsman.
The IDC reports periodically on its activities:
For previous reports, refer to the Modern Slavery in Australia website.
National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery
We chair the annual National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery. It was established in June 2008 as a way for government and non-government organisations to consult on trafficking issues. It now extends to all forms of modern slavery.
Since 2011, the National Roundtable has been supported by an annual senior officials meeting.
National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25
The National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25 provides the strategic framework for Australia’s response to modern slavery. We lead implementation of the National Action Plan and are responsible for delivering several action items.
Read more about the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25.
Modern Slavery Act
The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) is a transparency framework. It requires certain large businesses operating in Australia to describe the risks of modern slavery in their global supply chains and operations and what they are doing to address these risks.
We administer the Modern Slavery Act and manage the Modern Slavery Statement Register
Read more about the Modern Slavery Act.
Modern slavery offences
We also administer the Criminal Code (Cth), which contains Australia’s laws against modern slavery.
Division 270 of the Criminal Code criminalises slavery, the condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised. Division 270 also criminalises slavery-like practices such as servitude, forced labour, forced marriage, deceptive recruiting and debt bondage.
Division 271 of the Criminal Code criminalises human trafficking, including trafficking people into, out of, and within Australia. Division 271 also criminalises child trafficking, harbouring a victim of trafficking, and human trafficking for the purpose of organ removal.
Read more about Australia's modern slavery offences
Modern slavery in Australia website
We maintain the Modern Slavery in Australia website.
This website brings together authoritative, factual information on modern slavery in Australia, including how to get help and how to support someone else. It provides information for people interested in understanding Australia's modern slavery laws and policies. It also contains useful guidance, training and resources.
Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner
Mr Chris Evans is the inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner. He was appointed through a merit-based process and commenced his 5-year term on 2 December 2024.
The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner is an independent statutory office holder established under the Modern Slavery Act. The Commissioner is a new, independent pillar in Australia's comprehensive response to countering modern slavery.
The Commissioner works with government, business, civil society, and the broader community to:
- promote compliance with the Modern Slavery Act
- engage and support victims and survivors
- raise awareness and educate the Australian community about modern slavery
- help fight modern slavery in Australia and overseas.