Australia’s Hidden Crisis: The Modern Slavery of Migrant Workers

Frontline workers—including police—need enhanced training to identify signs of modern slavery as migrant workers become targets in Australia’s regional and rural areas. This pressing issue was highlighted by NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner James Cockayne during a parliamentary inquiry, where he pointed out that labor hire companies are exploiting regulatory loopholes.

The number of complaints to federal police regarding modern slavery, characterized as being coerced into poor conditions for the benefit of others, has surged by 140% since 2018. Dr. Cockayne shared harrowing accounts, such as that of Melita, a Pacific Islander who was not compensated for her work repairing machinery in rural NSW while facing exorbitant charges for transportation and other necessities. After expressing her feeling of being unsafe in her remote lodging, Melita was reassigned to work within the accommodation itself, cooking and cleaning, before facing alleged sexual assault by her supervisor.

Similarly, another migrant worker, Mila, was dismissed and evicted after questioning her pay while employed at a bed and breakfast, where she worked over 55 hours a week for just shelter and meals. This situation reflects a deeply troubling trend of vulnerable migrant workers—estimated in the thousands—who endure financial deception, sexual harassment, and a lack of accessible support.

The ongoing inquiry also scrutinizes the Pacific Australian Labour Mobility scheme that has brought more than 30,000 migrants into critical sectors such as agriculture and aged care. Advocates have raised alarms about a worker who was trafficked under the promise of attending university, only to be forced into grueling labor instead.

To confront this growing threat of modern slavery, Dr. Cockayne’s office has called for mandatory anti-slavery training for frontline workers, improved coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, and proactive measures for detection.

This situation underscores the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and systemic change to protect the rights and welfare of migrant workers facing exploitation. The push for reforms presents a significant opportunity for improvement in labor rights and the acknowledgment of the crucial roles these workers play in society.