Yesterday, 28 May 2024, the House of Representatives passed the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 that paves the way for the appointment of Australia’s first National Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
This appointment recognises the need for Australia to have an independent Commissioner to lead our country’s efforts in addressing and preventing modern slavery, and more importantly, to provide assistance and support for victims and survivors of modern slavery.
The Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 amends the Modern Slavery Act 2018 to establish the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner as an independent statutory office holder within the Attorney-General’s portfolio to provide an independent mechanism for victims and survivors, business and civil society to engage on issues and strategies to address modern slavery.
The Mercy Foundation has joined with many civil society organisations in calling for the establishment of a National Commissioner and we congratulate all whose efforts have resulted in this landmark legislation.
