Human trafficking and slavery are serious crimes that fundamentally curtail freedom, making them amongst the most grave of human rights violations. No country in the world is immune to these crimes.

The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015–19 (National Action Plan) provides the strategic framework for Australia’s response to human trafficking and slavery over the five years from 2015 to 2019. It succeeds the Australian Government’s 2004 Action Plan to Eradicate Trafficking in Persons, and builds on the objectives of that plan which have now been achieved, operationalised, or brought within the core business of Australian authorities.

The National Action Plan:

• sets out the work currently being done
• identifies gaps
• maps the direction of future priorities
• enhances transparency and accountability, and
• ensures the continuation of a holistic response by recognising the role of the States and Territories, civil society, business and industry, and unions.