Modern slavery is a serious, pervasive and largely hidden human rights and safety issue, for which a strong criminal justice response is required to ensure the detection and prosecution of perpetrators, as well as justice for victims and survivors. This report was commissioned by the Office of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner to understand opportunities to improve Australia’s criminal justice response to modern slavery. Three data collection activities were undertaken as part of this research: a literature search, stakeholder consultations and consultations with people with lived experience of modern slavery or modern slavery policy.

The report identifies ongoing gaps in Australia’s criminal justice response to modern slavery that are preventing some victims and survivors from accessing justice and remedy, and holding offenders accountable for their crimes. The report makes recommendations to address these gaps. The findings and recommendations aim to contribute to and complement the ongoing and important work being undertaken by the Australian Government to strengthen the criminal justice response to modern slavery.

The report is provided with a plain language summary.