Australia appointed its first anti-slavery commissioner to strengthen efforts aimed at “preventing and responding to modern slavery.”

• Mr Evans has been appointed as the Anti-Slavery Commissioner following a merit-based selection process and will commence a five year term on 2 December 2024.
• Modern slavery deprives victims of their dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms. It encompasses a range of exploitative practices including human trafficking and slavery-like practices such as forced marriage, forced labour, deceptive recruiting and debt bondage.
• The establishment of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner delivers on the Albanese Government's election commitment to establish an independent Commissioner to lead the fight against modern slavery.  
• Earlier in September, the New South Wales anti-slavery commissioner issued a report saying the state has an estimated 16,400 persons in modern slavery.
• The state administration promptly requested an investigation into the risks of modern slavery for temporary migrant workers.