Australia appointed its first anti-slavery commissioner on Monday to boost initiatives aimed at “preventing and addressing modern slavery.”
Chris Evans, a former senator and advocate against human trafficking, will take on the role for a five-year term starting Dec. 2, according to a statement from Attorney General Mark Dreyfus’ office.
The statement highlighted that “modern slavery robs victims of their dignity, rights, and freedom,” encompassing exploitative practices like human trafficking, forced marriage, forced labor, deceptive recruitment, and debt bondage.
The anti-slavery commissioner is tasked with further strengthening efforts by government, businesses, and civil society to prevent and address modern slavery, including supporting victims, raising public awareness, and assisting businesses in managing modern slavery risks within their operations and supply chains.
In September, New South Wales’ anti-slavery commissioner reported an estimated 16,400 people in the state living in modern slavery, prompting a state-led investigation into the risks facing temporary migrant workers.
As part of the 2023-24 federal budget, the government allocated 8 million Australian dollars (about $5.2 million) over four years to fund the new national commissioner role.
The commissioner’s establishment fulfills Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s campaign pledge to create an independent role dedicated to combating modern slavery.
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