Anti-Slavery Australia’s submission to the statutory review of the Victims Rights and Support Act 2013 (NSW) draws upon its nearly two decades of experience in supporting victims and survivors of modern slavery in Australia. This submission focuses on the Act’s amendments introduced by the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) and presents recommendations aimed at improving access to support services for victim-survivors in New South Wales.
Central to this submission is the discussion surrounding the definition of ‘modern slavery’ in the legislation. It is proposed that by modifying the Act to encompass all forms of modern slavery, a more comprehensive approach can be taken in addressing these crimes.
Additionally, the submission delves into various other barriers that hinder justice for survivors of modern slavery, including jurisdictional complexities, the Commissioner of Victims Rights’ powers of inquiry, evidentiary requirements imposed on victims-survivors, restrictive time limits, and issues related to procedural fairness. Each of these barriers is thoroughly examined, and corresponding recommendations are provided, reflecting Anti-Slavery Australia’s extensive research and advocacy efforts rooted in the real-life experiences of survivors.