The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade undertook an inquiry into the rights of women and children. Anti-Slavery Australia’s submission focused on the increased prevalence of modern slavery and the trafficking of women and girls, internationally and in Australia, and the intersection of modern slavery and trafficking with gender-based harm. Further, the submission outlined the importance of access to justice, including services and supports for women and children who are at-risk of or who are victim-survivors of modern slavery and trafficking in Australia.
Anti-Slavery Australia’s submission proposes a comprehensive approach, including increasing awareness, prevention, and identification of modern slavery while emphasising support for victims. This involves developing a repatriation protocol and government-funded grant program for exit-trafficking survivors, ensuring long-term resources for legal and support services, establishing a national compensation scheme, and addressing the specific needs of children in the context of modern slavery. Additionally, they advocate for survivor involvement in policy and response efforts and recommend an overhaul of the visa framework to provide more equitable outcomes for women and children seeking justice.