Recommendation 230

Since 2004, the Australian Government has had a whole-of-government strategy to combat human trafficking and slavery. The strategy is overseen by the Interdepartmental Committee on Human Trafficking and Slavery (IDC), which is chaired by the Attorney‑General's Department (AGD) and comprises representatives from ten other federal agencies.

The IDC is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the strategy under Australia's National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-19 (National Action Plan), reporting to the Australian Government on its effectiveness, and ensuring that emerging issues are addressed on a whole-of-government basis. Relevant agencies remain responsible for administering individual components of the strategy. An Operational Working Group on Human Trafficking and Slavery (OWG) operates as a subcommittee of the IDC to resolve systemic operational issues that arise in the management of individual cases. The OWG also has an important role in referring emerging policy issues to the broader IDC for consideration.

The Australian Government has comprehensively criminalised human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, including forced labour and forced marriage, under the Criminal Code Act 1995(Cth). Penalties for these offences range from four years' imprisonment for debt bondage, to 25 years' imprisonment for slavery and trafficking in children. Australia continues to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of our legislative framework, which is a key area of focus under the National Action Plan.

In June 2018, the Australian Government introduced the Modern Slavery Bill 2018 to establish a Modern Slavery Reporting Requirement that will require certain large businesses and other entities in Australia to publish annual public statements outlining their actions to address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. The Bill will assist the business community in Australia to take proactive and effective actions to address modern slavery.

The Crimes Act 1914 (Cth) provides a range of protections for vulnerable witnesses giving evidence in federal criminal proceedings, including victims of human trafficking and slavery. These protective measures are intended to ensure that vulnerable witnesses are able to give effective evidence to the court, including by minimising intimidation, additional trauma, fear for their personal safety and undue public embarrassment.

Australia provides a comprehensive range of support services for suspected victims of human trafficking and slavery-related offences through the Australian Government's Support for Trafficked People Program (Support Program). This may include assistance to access mental and physical health and well-being services, legal and migration advice, or learn new skills and develop options for life.

In February 2018, the Government committed $0.5 million to fund a 12 month trial under the Support Program that enables people in, or at risk of, forced marriage to access longer-term intensive support.

More information on Australian Government policies and programmes on human trafficking and slavery can be found on the Human trafficking page on the Australian Federal Police's website and the Human trafficking and slavery page on the Department of Social Services website.