Modern slavery uncovered in Melbourne – and detected first in the healthcare setting

The conviction of a Melbourne man for possessing a woman as a slave is a deeply disturbing case that underscores the ongoing reality of modern slavery in Australia.

A County Court has found Chee Kit “Max” Chong guilty of slavery and assault offences following evidence of sustained exploitation, coercion and severe abuse of a vulnerable woman over several months in 2022. The victim, an older migrant woman, was subjected to forced labour, food and sleep deprivation, and physical violence while living in the offender’s home, denying her basic freedoms and dignity.

Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, said, “This is a confronting reminder that modern slavery is not confined to distant places or complex supply chains – it can and does occur within Australian communities, and the human cost cannot be overstated.”

The Commissioner acknowledged the role frontline healthcare workers played in identifying the abuse. 
“This case shows that victims are often identified not because they can seek help themselves, but because someone recognises the signs and intervenes. In this instance, a healthcare setting provided critical visibility into otherwise hidden exploitation.”

“We must shift the burden away from victims and ensure our frontline systems are equipped to identify and support them. That means strengthening awareness and capability among first responders, particularly in healthcare.”

Research from St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne shows that 100% of surveyed survivors accessed healthcare during exploitation, some multiple times, with targeted training leading to a 400% increase in identification of modern slavery cases since April 2024.

“This confirms modern slavery is not only a Commonwealth criminal justice issue – it is a public health issue that requires greater engagement with the states. Healthcare and other frontline workers are uniquely placed to identify and support victim-survivors,” the Commissioner said.

“When first responders are supported with the right tools and training, they can play a transformative role in disrupting exploitation. We must scale these approaches so that no opportunity to identify and help a victim is missed.”

The Commissioner calls on the Australian Government to take urgent action, in partnership with state and territory counterparts, to ensure first responders have the tools and training necessary to root out modern slavery.