Australia has taken a significant step in the fight against exploitation, appointing former Labor Senator Chris Evans as the nation’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
Evans will commence his five-year term today (2 December 2024), marking a milestone in the Albanese Government’s commitment to eradicating modern slavery.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus had announced the appointment, stating that modern slavery “deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights, and freedoms,” with exploitative practices like forced labour, debt bondage, and forced marriage affecting an estimated 41,000 people in Australia.
Evans brings extensive experience to the role, having served as CEO of Walk Free’s Global Freedom Network, a faith-based initiative to combat human trafficking, and played a pivotal role in advocating for the Modern Slavery Act 2018. His political career spanned 20 years as a Western Australian Senator, including ministerial roles under the Rudd and Gillard governments.
The Anti-Slavery Commissioner will collaborate with government, businesses, and civil society to address exploitation within Australia and its supply chains. Key priorities include supporting survivors, raising public awareness, and driving corporate accountability.
The Albanese Government has allocated $8 million to establish and operate the office, delivering on an election promise to create an independent body to lead the fight against modern slavery.
Evans will also help shape reforms to the Modern Slavery Act, which currently requires companies to report on anti-slavery efforts but stops short of enforcing actions. Advocates, including Walk Free, argue that stronger legislation is needed to prevent exploitation and bring Australia in line with global standards.
Efforts to combat other forms of exploitation, such as forced marriage, remain fragmented across federal and state jurisdictions, further highlighting the need for coordinated nationwide action.
Support Our Journalism
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/TheAusToday
