Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner calls on NSW to strengthen migrant worker protections and justice
Australia's Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, has made a formal submission to the New South Wales Parliamentary Inquiry into modern slavery risks faced by temporary migrant workers.
The submission outlines key recommendations for State-level action to complement Commonwealth efforts in addressing and preventing vulnerability to modern slavery among temporary migrant workers in Australia.
Commissioner Evans highlighted that despite progress in providing workplace protections and support pathways for victims, significant gaps remain in detecting and disrupting modern slavery crimes.
"Research indicates that for every victim of modern slavery we identify in Australia, four remain undetected," said Commissioner Evans. "We need better data and structural reform, including strengthening collaboration between State and Commonwealth agencies and expanding survivor-informed training for first responders who are often the first point of contact for victims."
The submission puts forward three key recommendations:
- Strengthen collaboration between State and Commonwealth agencies and between Government agencies and victim service providers, with the NSW Commissioner's Office providing a framework for enhanced, place-based collaboration.
- Support and expand the work of the NSW Commissioner to engage and equip first responders to identify and assist people who have experienced labour exploitation.
- Prepare to adopt labour hire licensing legislation and support a harmonised approach through a national scheme based on the Victorian model.
"States have a crucial role to play in reducing vulnerability to modern slavery by enhancing access to support, advice, and justice for temporary migrant workers, while simultaneously strengthening accountability for perpetrators," Commissioner Evans stated. "Through coordinated action between all levels of Government and civil society, we can create more effective protections for those most at risk."
Appointed in November 2024 following the establishment of the Office of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner in May 2024, Commissioner Evans serves as an independent mechanism for victims, survivors, businesses, and civil society to engage on strategies to address modern slavery in Australia.
View the submission to the NSW Inquiry into modern slavery risks faced by temporary migrant workers
Media Contact:
Office of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner
contact@antislaverycommissioner.gov.au