The Department of Home Affairs has launched a National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-25.
The launch comes with the Government’s first Commonwealth Modern Slavery Statement 2019-20.
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood said the initiatives were the result of a year of concerted action to combat modern slavery in Australia.
“Modern slavery is a devastating crime and has no place in our supply chains or communities,” Mr Wood said.
“The National Action Plan articulates the Government’s vision for a future where no one is subjected to modern slavery and the human rights of all people are valued equally,” he said.
He said the National Action Plan was the “largest single financial commitment the Government has made since its response to modern slavery was first established”.
“It includes $4.4 million for multi-year grant funding for civil society organisations, peak bodies and academic researchers to deliver projects to combat modern slavery in Australia,” Mr Wood said.
“The National Action Plan is the result of extensive consultation with civil society organisations, unions, peak bodies and academic researchers.”
He said that through it, the Government would continue to work with its partners to combat modern slavery and support and protect victims.
The 45-page National Action Plan and Commonwealth Statement can be accessed on the Department of Home Affairs website at this PS News link.
