For the first time, the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC) has today released information on the nature and outcomes of reports of modern slavery in Australia, and the characteristics of suspected victim-survivors and perpetrators.
To support our evaluation of the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25, the Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery National Minimum Dataset (HTMS NMDS) collected data from 4 key Australian Government agencies involved in the response to modern slavery in Australia – the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Department of Social Services, the Department of Home Affairs, and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. The dataset was developed in consultation with data provider agencies and the Attorney-General’s Department.
The report published today describes data for the 6-month pilot period from 1 July 2022 to 31 December 2022, which found:
- The AFP received 150 reports of alleged human trafficking, slavery, and slavery-like practices (modern slavery). Reports most commonly related to allegations of forced marriage (31%), followed by sexual servitude (25%), trafficking of persons out of Australia (21%) and forced labour (18%).
- Thirty-six victim-survivors of modern slavery were referred to the Support for Trafficked People Program. Most were female (94%) and 44% were aged under 18 years.
- Fifteen matters involving human trafficking, slavery, and slavery-like offences were either referred to, or continued by, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. At 31 December 2022, 20 of the 24 defendants had been charged with a total of 55 human trafficking and modern slavery offences.
AIC Deputy Director Dr Rick Brown said this dataset highlights the importance of comprehensive data to respond to modern slavery in Australia.
“There is no place for human trafficking or modern slavery in our communities. This data will help government and policy agencies, as well as community support initiatives, to better understand the problem in Australia, including the attrition of cases through the criminal justice system,” Dr Brown said.
Following this successful pilot, the AIC will continue the HTMS NMDS as an ongoing, annual statistical monitoring program.
The full report is available on the AIC website.