Australia has a national action plan to combat modern slavery, as well as dedicated policing and international engagement strategies. They are part of a broader framework of initiatives that seek to prevent exploitation and abuse.
National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25
Australia's strong response to modern slavery is underpinned by the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25.
Its vision is a future where no one experiences modern slavery and the human rights of all people are valued equally.
It acknowledges victims and survivors of modern slavery, whose voices have shaped the National Action Plan. It prioritises continued lived experience empowerment to strengthen survivor voice as we work together to prevent modern slavery in Australia.
The National Action Plan was also developed through extensive consultation with:
- civil society
- peak bodies
- businesses
- unions
- academics
- service providers
- anti-slavery networks
- international organisations.
National Action Plan strategic priorities
The National Action Plan includes 46 actions in support of 5 national strategic priorities.
- Prevent modern slavery. Combat the drivers of these crimes and empower individuals and groups that are vulnerable to modern slavery.
- Disrupt, investigate and prosecute modern slavery. Identify victims and survivors, implement disruption strategies and hold perpetrators to account through effective investigations and prosecutions.
- Support victims and survivors. Provide holistic, tailored and victim-centred support and protection.
- Partner. Cooperate across government and with international partners, civil society, business, unions and academia to ensure a coordinated response to modern slavery.
- Research. Strengthen data collection and analysis to build the evidence base that supports our response to modern slavery.
Australian Federal Police Human Trafficking and Slavery Strategic Plan 2023‑2026
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is the lead agency for investigating human trafficking and other modern slavery crimes in Australia. The AFP leads a coordinated and connected policing response in line with its Human Trafficking and Slavery Strategic Plan 2023-2026.
International Engagement Strategy on Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery
Led by the Australian Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking, Australia continues to promote effective and coordinated responses to modern slavery in line with Australia's international engagement strategy on human trafficking and modern slavery: Delivering in partnership.
Related strategies and plans
The National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery is part of a broader framework of initiatives that seek to prevent exploitation and abuse. These initiatives include the:
- National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032
- National Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Child Sexual Abuse 2021-2030
- National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2021-2031
- National Strategy to Fight Transnational, Serious and Organised Crime 2018.
Other broader efforts from across government complement these strategies and plans by promoting human rights and addressing disadvantage as potential drivers of exploitation, which can help prevent future risks of modern slavery.
Read more about Australia's laws and policies to address modern slavery