Modern Slavery in Australia

Modern slavery refers to various forms of severe exploitation where individuals are unable to refuse or leave their situation due to threats, coercion, deception, or abuse of power.

Common types of modern slavery include:

• Human trafficking
• Slavery
• Servitude
• Forced labour
• Debt bondage
• Forced marriage
• False recruitment
• The worst forms of child labour.

Victims come from all walks of life, but vulnerable individuals, such as migrants, those living in poverty, and people experiencing discrimination, are vulnerable, and research shows women and girls are most at risk. Many are coerced through deceptive promises of work or safety.

Victims face severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma. They often endure abuse, isolation, and deprivation of fundamental human rights, leaving lasting scars even after escaping their situation.

Signs may include individuals who seem fearful, have restricted movement, lack personal documents, or appear to be under someone else’s control. These signs are often hidden in plain sight.

The 11 key indicators of modern slavery, as defined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), include:

If you are concerned about someone in your community, get in touch through one of the organisations below:

• If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000.
• Call The Freedom Hub on 1800freehub (if the victim has asked for help)
• Call the Australian Federal Police Human Trafficking Team on 131 AFP (131 237) or email [email protected].
• Housing
• If you are concerned about their mental health or potential suicide, call Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14 or text them on 0477 13 11 14
• My Blue Sky

 Modern slavery is more common in Australia than you might realise. According to the 2021 Global Slavery Index, approximately 41,000 people are experiencing modern slavery in Australia. This is a hidden crisis taking place in our neighbourhoods and communities.

The common indicators of slavery, namely deception, coercion, force, threat and abuse, are all human rights issues and, in many cases, may also involve child protection and gender inequality.

We call these types of exploitation modern slavery. They are punishable under the Criminal Code Act (1995) in Australia.
The more common forms of modern slavery prevalent in Australia are:

Marriage is supposed to celebrate love, but for many in Australia, it is anything but. Forced marriage is a significant form of modern slavery, accounting for around 30% of all reported cases between 2022 and 2023. It is different to an arranged marriage as the victim is coerced by family members and does not consent to the marriage. This means that they have been stripped of their freedom of choice.

At The Freedom Hub, we support survivors, helping them reclaim their independence and dignity.

Human trafficking is a growing threat both globally and in Australia. It involves moving the victim against their will, deceiving or coercing people into exploitation, including forced labour and sexual exploitation. Victims are controlled through threats, confiscation of identification documents such as their passports, or abuse.

The Freedom Hub provides resources and support for survivors. We also work to raise awareness to prevent trafficking.

Modern slavery is often hidden within the supply chains of the products we buy every day. Where businesses source their materials and where we shop can unknowingly support modern slavery. Industries such as agriculture, fashion, electronics, cleaning and construction are especially prone to exploitation. By holding companies accountable and making informed purchasing decisions, we can help reduce the prevalence of modern slavery in supply chains.

Factors like poverty, lack of education, economic instability, discrimination, and migration drive modern slavery. Vulnerable individuals are targeted, and industries with insufficient oversight, such as agriculture, garment manufacturing, and construction, often rely on exploitative labour practices. Addressing these root causes is critical to preventing exploitation.

At The Freedom Hub, we work to support survivors of modern slavery and prevent further exploitation. Our initiatives include:

Survivor Support: The Freedom Hub offers vocational training and recovery support to those who have escaped exploitation through our Survivor School.

Community Engagement: Raising awareness about modern slavery through education and partnerships.

Advocacy: Lobbying for stronger anti-slavery laws and increased corporate responsibility.

Business Advisory Services: The Freedom Hub’s Business Advisory Service helps companies assess risks, implement ethical practices, and ensure their supply chains are free from modern slavery.