Freedom Awards
Anti-Slavery Australia hosts the Freedom Awards – the only prize in Australia which recognises the outstanding contributions of survivors, other individuals, organisations and businesses to combat modern slavery and make a positive impact on the lives of people who have experienced exploitation.
The Freedom Awards celebrate diverse anti-slavery initiatives and highlight the achievements and vital work being done across the community to combat modern slavery and drive positive change.
Nominations are Now Open
Submit a PDF nomination form via email to FreedomAwards@uts.edu.au, or complete the online nomination form.
Nominations close Friday 4 September 2026.
The Freedom Awards will be back in 2026!
Anti-Slavery Australia is excited to announce that the Freedom Awards will take place on Wednesday 2 December at the University of Technology Sydney.
The Freedom Awards are awarded to individuals, organisations and businesses that demonstrate significant contributions to combating modern slavery or supporting survivors in Australia.
Nominations for the 2026 Freedom Awards are now open! Further information about categories and the nomination process is below.
Overview and Purpose
In 2026 we mark 40 years since the United Nations established the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. This important milestone offers an opportunity to recognise the meaningful progress made by individuals, organisations, and businesses in advancing the General Assembly’s commitment to its eradication.
In recent years, Australia has made significant strides in strengthening its response to modern slavery, including the 2023 review of the Modern Slavery Act, the appointment of the country’s first Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and the launch of pilot programs supporting survivors. These developments, alongside growing public awareness, reflect an increasing national commitment to addressing modern slavery in all its forms.
The Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom Awards will highlight the vital contributions of Australian individuals, organisations, and businesses who are driving positive change.
Through this event, we aim to raise awareness and reinforce our shared commitment to addressing modern slavery, while centring and empowering the voices and lived expertise of survivors.
Award Ceremony
The 2026 Freedom Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 2 December at the University of Technology Sydney.
Award Categories
Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom Awards are awarded to an individual, organisation, or business for outstanding contributions to initiatives against modern slavery in the following categories:
Human rights and modern slavery medal
Awarded to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to combating modern slavery in Australia.
Survivor Advocacy and Leadership Award
Recognises the leading contribution of survivors through a range of activities, including advocacy, policy, and program development.
Collaboration Award
Recognises effective partnerships and collaborations to prevent and eliminate modern slavery.
Innovation Award
Presented to an organisation, individual, or business that has demonstrated an innovative approach in the prevention or elimination of modern slavery in supply chains and operations.
Impact and Advocacy Award
Recognises initiatives that have driven positive change and contributed to the prevention of modern slavery through research, policy advocacy or development, and related activities.
Freedom Award Recipients
2023
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Vanessa Zimmerman received the Inaugural Human Rights and Modern Slavery Medal for her outstanding contribution to combating modern slavery in Australia.
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Moe Turaga received the Survivor Leadership and Advocacy Award for his outstanding contribution to survivor advocacy to combat modern slavery.
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Robyn Parkin received the Impact Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution to anti-slavery initiatives in the financial sector.
- The OAASIS Project received the Innovation Award for the project’s outstanding contribution to the identification and prevention of modern slavery in global supply chains.
- Ramila Chanisheff and Rex Patrick received the Campaign Award for their outstanding contribution to the prevention of forced labour in global supply chains.
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Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking Asia Pacific received the Collaboration Award in recognition of the project’s outstanding contribution to preventing modern slavery.
2019
- Chris Crewther Chair of the Foreign affairs and Aid Sub-Committee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade for his outstanding contribution to the abolition of all forms of slavery in Australia
- Dr Darian McBain, Global Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Thai Union Group, for her outstanding contribution to the field of ethical sourcing and human rights in the seafood industry.
- James Bartle, founding CEO of Outland Denim, for his outstanding contribution to combatting modern slavery in the fashion industry
- Måns Carlsson-Sweeny, Head of Environmental, Social and Governance Research at Ausbil, for his contribution to Modern Slavery Awareness in Financial Services (High Commendation)
2017
- Kate van Doore, Griffith University Law School and co-founder Forget Me Not Australia, for her outstanding contribution to research and advocacy in the area of orphanage trafficking
- Dr Kathy Landvogt, Safeguarding Lead, Good Shepherd Australia and New Zealand, for her outstanding contribution to research and advocacy in the area of forced marriage.
- Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia Pty Ltd, for an outstanding contribution to the field of ethical sourcing and human rights.
2015
- Baptist World Aid Australia, for their Behind the Barcode Campaign
- Alison Aggarwal, Principal Adviser/Manager at the Australian Human Rights Commission in recognition of an outstanding contribution to human rights and anti-slavery initiatives in Australia
- Alan Morison, veteran Australian journalist, Phuketwan News Service, Thailand for an outstanding contribution to the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking
- Dr Maree Marsh csb, Brigidine sister, psychologist and former chair of ACRATH, (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans) for her outstanding contribution to the protection and support of human trafficking survivors in Australia
2013
- Melissa Stewart, for her significant work in the area of policy, research, and evidence-building work on trafficking in persons in Australia and globally since 2009
- Christine Caroline, for her instrumental work in ensuring the successful operation of ACRATH’s Anti-Trafficking efforts
- The Human Trafficking Section of the Commonwealth AGD for their significant contribution to Australia’s anti-trafficking efforts
2012
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Rebecca Corby, for her significant contribution to the anti-trafficking work of the Australian Federal Police Human Trafficking Team.
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Mark Zirnsak, for his significant contribution to combating labour exploitation through his work on ethical supply chains.
2011
- Sister Louise Cleary, Chair of the Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans
- Sister Pauline Coll, Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans
- Jennifer Cullen, Australian Federal Police
- Dr Anne Gallagher, Special Adviser on Human Trafficking
- Dr Dianne Heriot, former Assistant Secretary, Attorney-General’s Department
- Ms Fiona McLeod SC
- Ms Merima Trbojevic, Department of Immigration and Citizenship
- The Australian Red Cross, Support for Trafficked People Program
- Josephite Counter-Trafficking Project
- Project Respect
- Scarlet Alliance
- Salvation Army, Safe House for Trafficked Women.