There is increasing concern about the risk to vulnerable migrants of being exploited at work in Australia, including modern slavery. These risks have been exacerbated by the impacts of COVID-19, including increasing unemployment and heightened competition for jobs.
The Department of Home Affairs has developed two information documents to help providers to identify signs of worker exploitation or modern slavery in interactions with participants in settlement programs. The documents detail how providers can help people who are experiencing this and where to refer them for further help. The documents are:
- Modern slavery happens in Australia: a two-page leaflet from the Red Cross that provides basic and easy-to-access information about worker exploitation and modern slavery in Australia.
- Guidelines for NGOs working with trafficked people: a detailed guide developed by the Australian Government for non-government organisations. It includes information on the background to human trafficking and slavery, guidance for working with trafficked people, and an extensive referral guide.
You can also find further supporting leaflets, videos and materials on the
Red Cross website.