• Janet Phillips
• Information and Research Services

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25 August 2008This research paper provides an overview of the people trafficking problem in Australia, Australia’s responses to date and the likely effectiveness of those measures. It also
provides access to a range of key documents and relevant electronic resources on the issues.


The paper notes that there is no reliable data available anywhere in the world on the true extent of people trafficking, but it is widely accepted that the trade is extensive, and very lucrative, in the Asia Pacific region. Regional governments, including Australia, have begun to tackle the problem relatively recently. Australia’s responses to people trafficking have included both anti-trafficking and victim support measures. Initiatives have also included developing and funding several anti-trafficking initiatives between governments in the Asia Pacific region.


Although Australia’s anti-trafficking initiatives have been commended, some suggest that
unless the systemic issues that perpetuate the cycle of both sex trafficking and forced
labour are addressed, including entrenched poverty in developing countries and a lack of
legal migration options, very little will be achieved in combating people trafficking.