Additional Referral Pathway Pilot

May 5, 2025

Anti-Slavery Australia’s role and how to make a referral

What is the Additional Referral Pathway?

In July 2024, the Australian Government launched a pilot project for an Additional Referral Pathway into the Support for Trafficked People Program. The Additional Referral Pathway provides people with a new way to access support if they are experiencing or have experienced exploitation, known as modern slavery.

The Additional Referral Pathway means that victim-survivors of modern slavery who are found to be eligible, will be able to access the Support for Trafficked People Program without engaging with law enforcement.  The Additional Referral Pathway pilot is led by The Salvation Army.

What is Anti-Slavery Australia’s role?

Anti-Slavery Australia can speak directly to people who have experienced exploitation, and to referring organisations, to assess eligibility for the program. If there are indicators of modern slavery we can make a direct referral to the Additional Referral Pathway. If we receive a referral from an organisation we would always seek to speak to the person affected. Our legal team will engage sensitively with victim-survivors and assess their legal situation in a holistic way, to prepare a referral to the Additional Referral Pathway as well as to address any other immediate supports that might be needed.

Anti-Slavery Australia can also provide confidential legal advice about legal options available to people who have experienced modern slavery.

Anti-Slavery Australia can also assist the other partner organisations with their assessments, particularly where the person requires specific legal advice before proceeding. We also have a specific role in reviewing assessment decisions if required.

Referral for assistance from Anti-Slavery Australia to access the Additional Referral Pathway

If you have experienced modern slavery, or you are worried about someone in this situation, you can contact Anti-Slavery Australia for free and confidential legal advice and support in the following ways:

If you do not speak English, we can help you with an interpreter.

Based on the information you give us, we can provide an initial assessment of your eligibility for the Additional Referral Pathway, which remains confidential. Our assessment will look at signs of exploitation, such as:

  • Controlled or restricted freedom of movement – monitored, guarded or confined
  • Intimidation and threats including threats of deportation
  • Threatened or actual physical and/or sexual violence
  • Travel or other important documents have been taken by employer or a third party
  • Abusive living and/or working conditions
  • Debt bondage (i.e. labour or services are provided as security or repayment of an inflated debt)
  • Deceived or lack of information about nature and conditions of work
  • No discretion over life decisions

For a fuller list see our website.

Children:

  • Children victim-survivors aged 15 years old or younger and without a safe guardian will be directly connected to the Australian Federal Police. The Australian Federal Police can provide referral onto the Support for Trafficked People Program, if eligible.

Forced Marriage:

If you are experiencing pressure to marry or forced marriage, or you are concerned about someone who might be, you can also receive assistance from Anti-Slavery Australia through the My Blue Sky service. In addition to the above contact methods, for a confidential chat, you can use a chat box on the website or SMS text: +61 481 070 844.