Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander Helen Schneider says human exploitation offences do happen in Australia. Photo: AFP.
Almost 400 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking were made in 2023-24 to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), including incidents in the ACT, police reported on United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, an annual event that raises awareness about human trafficking.
These reports cover human trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, servitude and slavery. A total of 382 reports were made. Of these, forced marriage accounted for the largest proportion with 91 reports.
“This represents a jump of more than 12 per cent on the previous financial year’s figure of 340, making it the highest on record,” an AFP spokesperson said.
“What makes the figures even more concerning is research from the Australian Institute of Criminology estimating that for every one victim of human trafficking or slavery detected, four remain undetected,” the AFP spokesperson said.
Data provided to Region by ACT Policing showed six allegations of human trafficking were made to police over the last four years.
There were single allegations reported in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years.
Two allegations were then made in both the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years.
“Those offences include allegations of forced marriage, servitude and transporting a person with intent to exploit,” an ACT Policing spokesperson said about the data.
Police have spoken out about human trafficking for the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Concerns were raised that a girl may have been trafficked to Australia in a case involving a public servant who appeared in court earlier this year.
This matter was recently committed to the ACT Supreme Court.
In 2023, police heard a woman may have been trafficked from Colombia to a Canberra home. Their investigation led to a call for information regarding a business in Majura Park.
Police had also investigated a separate matter in 2018.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said part of the issue with detection and identification was how potential victims might either be unaware they were a victim under Australian law or feel too vulnerable or scared to speak up.
“This can especially be the case when perpetrators are members of their family or community, or where they may fear shame or embarrassment from their communities,” she said.
“These factors often prevent victims from reporting human exploitation crimes to law enforcement.”
Commander Schneider said it was common to see a crossover of human exploitation offences.
“For example, someone who is a victim of forced marriage may also be a victim of slavery or servitude. Or someone who is a victim of forced labour may also be a victim of deceptive recruiting or debt bondage,” she said.
“The situation may not always be clear cut. And it’s also not something the people around them may recognise, simply because it’s not on the radar for the wider Australian community.
“But the fact is, human exploitation offences such as human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced marriage do happen right here in Australia – in our communities, neighbourhoods, workplaces and schools. They could be happening in your street.”
If you suspect you, or another person, is experiencing, or is at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form by clicking here. If you have immediate concerns for your safety, or that of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000). If you or someone you know is being exploited, confidential advice and information are available by contacting the Australian Red Cross or by calling 1800 113 015.
Ben JM buying votes for life seeing as Uni students are typically in their late teens and early… View