Former Labor minister Chris Evans has been named as Australia’s first anti-slavery commissioner.
Attorney general Mark Dreyfus announced Evans’ appointment on Monday, saying: “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.”
A recent report found an estimated 16,400 people were trapped in modern slavery in NSW alone.
A former WA senator, immigration and workplace minister, Evans also served as head of the Global Freedom Network of Walk Free – an organisation that worked with faith leaders to end modern slavery. Walk Free played a significant role in the campaign for the introduction of the Modern Slavery Bill 2018.
The Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 – which came into force on 7 November – established the role of anti-slavery commissioner as an independent statutory office holder within the attorney-general’s portfolio.
“The anti-slavery commissioner will play a key role in helping to shape the implementation of future modern slavery reforms,” said Dreyfus.
Among the functions of the commissioner’s office: supporting Australian businesses to address risks of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains, supporting and engaging with victims of modern slavery, and implementing community awareness campaigns.
As announced in the 2023-24 budget, the anti-slavery commissioner’s office will receive $8 million over four years to support its establishment and operation.
Evans – who will serve a five-year term – commences the role in December.
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