Strengthening Australia’s criminal justice response to modern slavery

This report by the Australian Institute of Criminology, commissioned by the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, is a rapid assessment of Australia’s criminal justice response to modern slavery, drawing together research, stakeholder perspectives and lived experience expertise to identify where gaps remain. It finds that, despite a strong legal framework and ongoing reform efforts, significant barriers continue to limit the identification, investigation and prosecution of modern slavery offences, and many victims and survivors are unable to access justice, support and remedy in practice. The report highlights the need for a more consistent, victim-centred and trauma-informed approach across the system, alongside improved coordination, resourcing and data, to ensure that Australia’s response delivers meaningful outcomes for victims and holds perpetrators to account.