Sydney and Melbourne airports to tackle human trafficking and modern slavery in new campaign

Major Australian airports have banded together to tackle a ‘hidden crime that destroys people’s futures’, with changes already in effect.

Major Australian airports have banded together to target human trafficking as reports of modern slavery increase by more than 10 per cent.

Sydney and Melbourne airports will now display images and messages about human trafficking on digital screens and billboards, encouraging people to report suspicious behaviour.

Pairing with anti-human trafficking organisation A21, the “Can You See Me?” campaign will educate people on the signs of human trafficking,

Signs at airports can include people avoiding eye contact and social interaction, not being in control of their own passport or documentation, acting unusually submissively, being unaware of their destination, having a language barrier with travelling companions, and wearing clothing that’s not appropriate.

Melbourne Airport chief executive officer Lorie Argus said the partnership “goes beyond just airports – it’s about people’s lives”.

“By joining forces with Sydney Airport, the AFP and A21, we’re taking a stand against modern slavery, a hidden crime that destroys people’s futures,” Ms Argus said.

“Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers.”

Sydney and Melbourne airport will now display images and messages about human trafficking on digital screens and billboards. Picture: Supplied.

The messaging encourages people to report suspicious behaviour. Picture: Supplied.

Sydney Airport chief executive officer Scott Charlton said the campaign would amplify efforts of the Australian Federal Police, with the Sydney and Melbourne airports accounting for about 70 per cent of Australia’s total international passenger traffic.

“Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation,” Mr Charlton said.

The AFP received 382 reports of modern slavery – including trafficking, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and organ trafficking – in the 2023-24 financial year, which is a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

About 41,000 people are also estimated to be living in modern slavery conditions in Australia, according to the Global Slavery Index.

The AFP reported a 12 per cent increase in modern slavery over the 2023-24 financial year. Picture: Supplied.

AFP Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner said the increase in reports “highlights the urgent need for action”.

“Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders,” Mr Rayner said.

“It is important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.

“Engaging travellers and frontline airport staff to recognise the signs and report suspected cases will help disrupt these crimes and protect vulnerable people.“

Director of the “Can You See Me?” campaign Christian Elliot said the new images and messages would allow everyone who passed through the airports to “become a part of the solution”.

“Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible, empowering travellers, staff, and the public to take action,” Mr Elliot said.

“With just one report, one moment of recognition, a life can be saved. Together, we can stop the traffickers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

The program has already reached high traffic areas such as Times Square billboards and Heathrow Airport, with QR codes on the messaging linking people with information on how to identify and stop modern slavery crimes.