A 51-year-old New South Wales man was sentenced to three years and four months in prison on 4 October 2024 for attempting to arrange forced marriages for his two teenage children, aged 15 and 17 at the time. The Downing Centre District Court handed down a non-parole period of one year and 11 months.
This sentencing follows Australia’s first successful conviction for forced marriage in July, marking another significant step in combating human trafficking.
AFP Commander Kate Ferry emphasised that Australia is not immune to human trafficking and noted the crime is often under-reported.
“There are two common types of forced marriages: one where unwilling participants are coerced or deceived, and another where individuals are too young to legally consent,” Commander Ferry explained.
“This crime typically involves younger, vulnerable family members. Victims often hesitate to report the crime, fearing their family could get in trouble.”
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) Eastern Command Human Trafficking Team launched an investigation into the case in February 2022 after the two siblings escaped from their father’s regional NSW home and sought assistance from NSW Police.
The children, who moved to Australia with their father in 2021, discovered that he was attempting to arrange marriages for them against their will. They were unaware of who their prospective spouses were or when the ceremonies would take place.
Following the siblings’ escape, AFP officers executed a search warrant at the father’s residence, uncovering mobile phones with messages detailing wedding arrangements.
The man pleaded guilty on 17 October 2023 to two counts of attempting forced marriage, in breach of sections 11.1(1), 270.7B, and 270.8 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The victims have since been supported by a specialist youth organisation, dedicated to helping young people affected by forced marriage.
AFP Sergeant Chantal Pravaz praised the courage of the victims, stating that the prosecution was only possible due to their bravery in coming forward.
“The AFP is committed to helping all victims of human trafficking. Each case is handled with care, compassion, and respect. Our priority is the wellbeing of those seeking to escape their situation, whether through prosecution or by providing support and education,” she said.
Reports of human trafficking to the AFP have increased, with 382 cases reported in the 2023-2024 financial year – 91 of which involved forced marriage allegations. This marks a rise from the previous year’s 340 reports, though authorities believe the crime remains under-reported.
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