Beyond the Headlines: Unveiling Realities of Modern Slavery in Australia
The recently released Statistical Report by the Australian Institute of Criminology, Findings from the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery National Minimum Dataset pilot (July to December 2022), provides a crucial layer of insight that generalised estimates of modern slavery in Australia fall short on. This report examines the 150 cases of alleged modern slavery received by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) during the 6-month period collected directly from Australian Government agencies responsible for responding to modern slavery in Australia. The report offers a stark reality to the 41,000 people estimate that Walk Free’s Global Slavery Index claims were in Australia on any given day in 2021 living in conditions of modern slavery. If these estimates are correct, that means 0.004% of people are reporting this crime and even fewer prosecutions.
Focusing on lived experiences and operational data bridges the gap between abstract estimates and actionable knowledge, empowering policymakers and practitioners to develop targeted, evidence-based interventions that will lead to increased prosecutions to stop these crimes reoccurring. Of these 150 reported cases, 103 cases were accepted for investigation, resulting in 1 referral for prosecution; 19 cases were resolved through prevention or disruption activity; 19 were unable to proceed, or insufficient information; and 12 investigations are ongoing. If this data tells us one thing, more needs to be done to support more people to reach out for help and bring their perpetrators to justice. So why aren’t they?
Research published by SlaveCheck in February 2024 – Recommendations for Helpline Design and Operation from People with Lived Experience of Modern Slavery highlighted the ongoing fear of not being believed and their journey of trust when victims of modern slavery are reaching out for help. But critically, even before they begin this journey to get help, there can be a lack of language or understanding to self-identify they are in a slavery situation. One research participant described this by saying, ‘There are people like me who did not even know what to ‘label’ what was happening to us at that time’. Modern Slavery is a complex area for anyone to navigate and is increasingly concerning for businesses worldwide grappling with legislative requirements to investigate, remediate and monitor suspected abuses in their supply chains. This is why they are turning to SlaveCheck and other specialised entities to translate field data into actionable insights.
Statistical estimates provide an empty picture of how to address the root causes of these heinous crimes. We need to look closer at what this field data is telling us about the perpetrators’ characteristics and their business models so they can be exposed. Of the 51 suspected perpetrators, 71% were male, with the most common age being between 35 and 44 years (45%). Fifty-nine percent (n=20) of the suspected perpetrators (where citizenship was recorded n=34) were Australian citizens or permanent residents versus 41% (n=14) being foreign nationals. But how many of these perpetrators related to corporate supply chains is not clear as 12% (n=18) of these reported cases related to forced labour associated with corporate supply chains.
If corporates are to play their role in meeting legislative requirements to conduct due diligence across their supply chain, we need to understand more about who these bad actors are and where they operate.
Ending modern slavery in Australia requires more than data—it demands collaboration and innovation. Governments, corporates, and civil society organisations must work together, sharing knowledge, resources, and a commitment to uphold human dignity. By embracing evidence-based approaches and fostering cross-sector partnerships, we can translate findings like those in the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery National Minimum Dataset into real, measurable impact.
At SlaveCheck, we’re committed to being part of the solution, but we cannot do it alone. We invite all stakeholders—policymakers, business leaders, and community advocates—to join forces with us. Together, we can drive systemic change, ensuring that every step we take is a step closer to eradicating modern slavery. The fight against exploitation is one we must win—because every person deserves freedom.
Citation
Gannoni A & Bricknell S 2024. Findings from the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery National Minimum Dataset pilot, July to December 2022. Statistical Report no. 48. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology. https://doi.org/10.52922/sr77703
