Modern slavery reports hit record high in Australia

Data released by Australian Federal Police (AFP) shows modern slavery and forced removal reports are at an all-time high, having more than doubled from the previous 12-month period. And while the large numbers are cause for concern, there may be a silver lining. The increases could be indicative of AFP awareness-raising campaigns having an effect. But whatever the cause, the alarming increase in forced marriage and exit trafficking highlights immediate preventative measures need to be taken.  

More reporting may mean more awareness 

For the 2024/2025 financial year there were 420 cases of human trafficking reported to the AFP. That’s up from 382 over the previous 12 months. And according to the data, the main cause of the uptick is an increase in reports of exit trafficking and forced marriage. 

AFP Commander Helen Schneider stated in the Canberra Times: 

“What we see from these figures is a trending increase in forced marriage and exit trafficking reports.” 

But while acknowledging the increases in both types of trafficking, Commander Schneider also pointed to a possible positive interpretation of the increase in reports. 

Commander Schneider said: 

“The increase in forced marriage reports may indicate our engagement and presentations to at-risk community groups are working, and people feel more comfortable reporting this activity.” 

Indeed, last financial year, the AFP delivered more than 900 presentations and awareness raising events around the country. Done in partnership with community, government, and non-government groups, the activities were designed to help people recognize the indicators of human trafficking. And importantly, where to seek help. 

Steep rise in exit trafficking rise should set alarm bells ringing 

Exit trafficking is an emerging form of trafficking that involves using coercion, threats or deception to force someone to exit from a country. Potential indicators include travelling without a passport in their possession, not having a return ticket or phone, and not being able to provide their contact details on bookings. 

Commander Schneider expanded: 

“Victims of exit trafficking were often vulnerable people placed in dangerous conditions far from their support networks, by people they trusted or loved,” 

Sadly, women are being tricked out of the country at an alarming rate. The AFP revealed that exit trafficking reports jumped by more than 100 per cent over the year. And the new AFP report showed that more than 90 per cent of exit trafficking victims were female. However, Schneider emphasized human trafficking does not discriminate. Victims of this or any other form of trafficking could come from any age, gender, culture, religion or socio-economic group. 

Increased awareness exposes what needs fixing 

 Back in 2023, the AFP initiated a new program to deliver targeted outreach and education to help communities understand their rights. The program had the aim of increasing reports to the police. Thus, disrupting criminal activity before it occurs.   

Commissioner Schneider shared: 

‘“The sad reality is this crime does occur in modern Australia, which is why educating the public on the indicators is crucial.” 

During the past year, the program delivered more than 220 presentations and undertook more than 700 engagements. According to Commissioner Schneider, the overall increase in reports was “just the tip of the iceberg.” She is hopeful that with Australians becoming more attuned to recognizing human trafficking indicators, more can be done to stop the crime.