Modern slavery is a serious, pervasive and largely hidden human rights and safety issue. This report was commissioned to understand opportunities to improve Australia’s criminal justice response to modern slavery. 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.

Australia is at a pivotal moment in strengthening its response to modern slavery. With the Australian Government commencing consultations on reforms to the federal Modern Slavery Act, the decisions made in 2026 will shape the effectiveness of Australia’s anti-slavery framework for years to come. This paper outlines two key reform measures under consideration by the...