Shock rise in reports of human trafficking and slavery

“Innocent lives in the community” are falling victim to this chilling crime that has reached new heights in Australia.

Reports of human trafficking and slavery in Australia have increased by 12 per cent in the last year.

The Australian Federal Police said reports were at an all-time high, with 382 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking offences received in the 2023-24 financial year compared with 340 from the previous financial year.

Of the 382 reports, 109 were for human trafficking, 91 for forced marriage, 69 for forced labour, 59 for sexual exploitation and 21 for domestic servitude.

There were also 16 reports of deceptive recruitment, 10 reports of debt bondage, four reports of slavery, two reports of harbouring, and one report of organ trafficking.

The data released on Tuesday marks the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP).

AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the statistics represented more than just numbers but “innocent lives in the community”.

“By raising awareness of the laws in Australia and supporting victims, we can make strides in eradicating this crime,” she said.

“This increase is likely attributed to increased awareness of these crimes in the Australian community.”

AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the statistics represented more than just numbers but ‘innocent lives in the community’. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The AFP last week shut down a crime syndicate it alleged brought foreign nationals from Indonesia – including a teenager – to Australia to be exploited for sex work.

A Sydney man was charged with trafficking a 17-year-old teenager from Indonesia to engage in sex work.

The AFP will allege the 43-year-old man is the leader of an organised crime syndicate that worked with an Indonesian-based recruiter to find victims and send them to Australia.

AFP Commander Kate Ferry addressed the media after a Sydney man was charged with trafficking a child. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

The AFP is also working to introduce a new support program from January next year to support those at risk of, or who have experienced, forced marriage.

Ms Schneider said the AFP placed the physical and emotional wellbeing of victims as their “first and most important concern”.

“Victims may want to be removed from harmful situations but may not wish to proceed with criminal justice measures and we must respect that,” she said.

“This represents a critical step to addressing the scourge of human trafficking in the Australian community and it’s a job the AFP and our partners will work together to combat.”

The AFP has encouraged Australians to report any signs of human trafficking, including someone not having access to personal identification, showing signs their movements are being controlled, and appearing frightened, withdrawn or showing signs of physical or psychological abuse.