Modern slavery hits record high in Australia with 382 cases reported
One forced marriage is reported every four days in Australia as modern slavery cases hit record levels, with experts warning most victims remain hidden.
Modern slavery. Human trafficking. Forced marriage. They are horrific crimes many people would imagine only happen overseas, but the grim reality is they are happening in plain sight in modern Australia – and in record numbers.
Australian Federal Police officers have responded to 382 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking offences in the 2023-24 financial year – a jump of more than 12 per cent on the previous financial year’s figure of 340, making it the highest on record.
There were 91 forced marriages reported – that’s one every four days – and dozens of incidences of human trafficking, debt bondage, servitude and slavery.
What makes the figures even more concerning is research from the Australian
The Institute of Criminology estimates that for every one victim of human trafficking or slavery detected, four go undetected.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said part of the issue with detection and identification was potential victims might either be unaware they were a victim under Australian law – or feel too vulnerable or scared to speak up.
“This can especially be the case when perpetrators are members of their family or community, or where they may fear shame or embarrassment from their communities,” Commander Schneider said.
“These factors often prevent victims from reporting human exploitation crimes to law
Enforcement. It’s also common to see a crossover of human exploitation offences,” the commander said.
“For example, someone who is a victim of forced marriage may also be a victim of slavery or
servitude. Or someone who is a victim of forced labour may also be a victim of deceptive recruiting or debt bondage.
“The situation may not always be clear-cut. And it’s also not something the people around them may recognise, simply because it’s not on the radar for the wider Australian community.
“But the fact is, human exploitation offences such as human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced marriage do happen right here in Australia – in our communities, neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools. They could be happening in your street.”
Commander Schneider said the offences were occurring across varied industries and sectors, including in private and domestic settings.
“But while the circumstances may change, the horrendous impacts of these crimes are wholesale – exploiting the vulnerability of victims and subjecting them to mental and physical abuse.”
Commander Schneider said Australia was primarily a destination country in terms of human
trafficking, with AFP investigations uncovering victims trafficked from around the globe.
“Human trafficking and exploitation know no borders, denying victims their dignity and basic
human rights,” Commander Schneider said.
“Australia is, and must remain, part of a global response to combat people trafficking and modern slavery.
“The AFP partners with law enforcement, government and non-government agencies globally to prevent, disrupt, and investigate human trafficking and slavery, while providing vital protection and support to victims.”
In 2023, the AFP initiated its Human Exploitation Community Officer (HECO) program, which finished its rollout across Australia in 2024. This is designed to support and empower those at high risk of harm, exploitation or those becoming victims of human exploitation, to report these crimes and seek support.
Working alongside the AFP’s Human Trafficking teams, the HECOs have significantly boosted the agency’s work in raising awareness and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
AFP Leading Senior Constable Afra Prodan, the first HECO for South Australia and the Northern Territory, said the role was extremely fulfilling.
Cons Prodan said working directly with communities also brought to light the painful, heartbreaking reality some people were living through.
“I was shocked to learn how many people in the Australian community are affected by human exploitation every day – and how many are unsure of where to report these crimes and find support.”
Cons Prodan recalled one of the first conversations she had with a victim of human exploitation in South Australia.
“It was probably one of the most gut-wrenching and challenging moments I have encountered in my role as a HECO. The young person was explaining her situation to me, not even realising she was a victim and being horrifically exploited.”
Forced labour
In June last year a Templestowe man has been sentenced to three years and six months’ imprisonment for forced labour offences, after coercing a victim to work 14-hour days for two consecutive years under threats of deportation.
The AFP began investigating the matter in August 2017, after receiving a referral from Anti-Slavery Australia relating to the forced labour of an Iranian national.
The victim started employment at a Box Hill confectionery business in 2015, where he was forced by the owner to work 14-hour shifts without any breaks.
The investigation identified the owner had promised the victim he would help him to secure a visa to remain in Australia, while also making threats to report the victim and his family to the authorities for working illegally.
Forced marriage
A Shepparton woman was sentenced in July last year to three years imprisonment for orchestrating the forced marriage of her 20-year-old daughter, who later became the victim of a homicide in Western Australia.
This sentence marked the first successful conviction and sentencing for forced marriage in Australian history.
Servitude
In November, 2024 a Colombian man residing in South Australia was charged with debt bondage and servitude offences.
It is alleged the man helped members of a youth group he formerly led in Venezuela to migrate to Australia.
Once the group arrived in South Australia, the man allegedly took control over their passports and maintained daily control of the group.
In December, 2024 a second Colombian national in South Australia was charged over alleged human exploitation offences. It is alleged the woman was also involved in the ongoing and degrading treatment of Venezuelan citizens who had moved to Adelaide. Both matters remain before the courts.
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