Modern slavery is hidden in plain sight

by Jessi Claudianos, Director - Australian Capital Territory, Australian Red Cross

Some of the most well-known places and respected people in our communities are involved in this sinister and illegal activity. From the local corner shop to the supply chains of major brands, severe exploitation persists in the most seemingly innocent settings.

'Modern slavery' is an umbrella term for a range of practices that involve coercion, threats or deception being used to exploit people and deprive them of their freedom, in any industry, in any location.

John* came to Australia with his family in 2015. Eager to rebuild his life, John was excited to secure a job at a local gift shop. Arriving for his first day, John was told he had to undertake unpaid training – the first in a series of exploitative behaviours his employer would soon embark on.

This marked the start of John’s modern slavery experience in Australia, one which hundreds of individuals across Australia are experiencing on any given day.

John's unpaid training was repeatedly extended, leaving him working for months under the false pretence of training—without earning a single cent for his labour. When he finally started earning a wage, he was paid $10 an hour and rostered on for seven days a week doing physically exhausting work.

John’s employer, a well-known doctor in the community, promised to help John with his visa application, citing influential contacts who would make the process quick and easy. Under this premise, John continued to work for poor pay and under terrible conditions.

Fast forward two and a half years of empty promises, John once again raised the issue of his payment and visa. This time, his boss threatened to report him to immigration.

Despite his fear, John worked up the courage to leave and contact the police and a charity organisation, where he was then referred to the Support for Trafficked People Program. Here, John received support to assist him to recover including financial support, accommodation assistance, counselling and legal advice.

Since then, John has made strong headway towards achieving what he hoped to when moving to Australia, focusing on his and his family’s wellbeing and building a life together in a new country they now call home.

John’s story is not a one-off. Australia reported record levels of modern slavery in 2022-23, figures which are thought to be a gross underestimation of the true scale of the issue. The Australian Institute of Criminology estimates that for every victim-survivor of modern slavery detected, four go undetected.

John’s story shows that life-changing support is available for those trapped in modern slavery. However, these support services are only available to those who seek help or are found. Too many victims of modern slavery are under the radar, fearful of the implications if they come forward to their safety or that of their loved ones.

Modern slavery is a serious crime in Australia. The appointment of Chris Evans as the first federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner is a recognition of the enormous impact that this type of crime can have on individuals, businesses and the community. Australian Red Cross has been advocating for a dedicated Anti-Slavery Commissioner for more than a decade and we look forward to working with the Anti-Slavery Commissioner to prevent modern slavery, and to protect and support survivors of this crime.

But it’s not just the job of government alone. We all have a role to play in preventing and addressing modern slavery.

The signs of modern slavery can be subtle, but they are there.

They include coercion and threats, such as threatening to blacklist someone so they cannot find work elsewhere. Exploiters will often use debt to force someone to continue working for them or prevent them from leaving. Rules and controls can also make it difficult for someone to leave a situation to find help, such as limiting their access to food, the bathroom or breaks, or monitoring their communication.

Everyone deserves to live free from exploitation. Anyone who suspects a person is experiencing modern slavery can anonymously reach out to the Australian Federal Police or the Salvation Army as the alternative referral pathway to the Support for Trafficked People Program.

If you or someone you know is being exploited at work, help is available. Visit the Work Right Hub for more information.

Together, we can work to eliminate modern slavery, a crime that has no place in Australia.

*Not his real name.