Government marks World Day Against Trafficking in Persons with new funding

Today, on United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Coalition Government is bolstering its commitment to combating human trafficking, slavery and forced marriage.

I am pleased to announce that the Government is awarding $500,000 to four Australian Civil Society organisations for projects to prevent and deter these deplorable crimes.

The specialist organisations include the Salvation Army, Anti-Slavery Australia, The Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans and the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights.

This funding, provided under the National Community Crime Prevention Program, takes the Government funding awarded to Non-Government Organisations since 2008 to more than $5.3 million.

For more than a decade, the Australian Government has had one of the world’s most comprehensive strategies to combat human trafficking and slavery in our country.

Our response includes strong laws and harsh penalties, specialist investigative and compliance teams, and a range of supports and protections available to victims.

While we have made significant progress, there is still much more to be done. However, the Government cannot do it alone.

Civil society organisations are integral to Australia’s fight against human trafficking and slavery; playing a critical role in identifying and supporting victims, and improving community awareness.

In line with Australia’s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015‑19, the funded projects will raise community awareness, tackle the root causes of exploitation, and build the resilience of vulnerable groups.

More information about Australia’s efforts to combat human trafficking and slavery is available at ag.gov.au/humantrafficking<http://www.ag.gov.au/humantrafficking>.