Boost to support for victim survivors of trafficking and modern slavery

With human trafficking and modern slavery affecting an estimated 50 million people across the world, the Albanese Labor Government is making it easier for victim-survivors to access support and rebuild their lives.

Delivered by the Salvation Army with specialist partner organisations, the Additional Referral Pathway (ARP) is being extended to allow more victim-survivors to receive the support they need.

Through this extension, more victims and survivors will be able to work with case managers to find and receive support like referrals for legal and migration advice, financial support, medical treatment, and safe accommodation.

Modern slavery and human trafficking are criminal offences in Australia, with the Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) continuing to play a vital role in supporting the victims and survivors of modern slavery in Australia.

The ARP helped more than 95 people access the STPP last financial year, resulting in a 60 per cent increase in referrals to the STPP. Women and girls make up the majority of people supported by the STPP.

The Government has invested over $40 million for support services for victim-survivors of modern slavery in Australia.

The STPP is administered by the Department of Social Services and delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross.

Extending the Additional Referral Pathway complements the Albanese Government's wide-ranging efforts to respond to modern slavery, which includes criminal offences, specialist Australian Federal Police teams, and ongoing work to strengthen the Modern Slavery Act.

If you have experienced, human trafficking and slavery, including forced labour, support is provided through the STPP.

More information on the program is available on the Department of Social Services website.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:

"Sadly, 420 cases of modern slavery were reported in Australia in 2024-25, an increase on last year.

"Modern slavery, including forced marriage, is an abhorrent abuse of power, and the Government is doing everything we can to eliminate it from our society.

"Labor has a long-held commitment to tackling forced marriage, including the creation of the first criminal offences for forced marriage in 2013 and establishing Australia's first Anti-Slavery Commissioner last year.

"We will always support and empower victims and survivors by helping them receive financial support, access urgent healthcare, and live a life free from violence and oppression.

"We won't stop until the human rights abuses of human trafficking and modern slavery are stamped out for good."

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit (link is external)https://www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.

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