Chris Evans takes on a new role to tackle modern slavery in Australia, with 41,000 people estimated to be living in forced labour and exploitation

Chris Evans, former Labor minister and long-time anti-slavery advocate, has been appointed Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner. The announcement, made by Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus, signals a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat modern slavery. Evans will take up the new position in December, embarking on a five-year term focused on addressing exploitative practices such as forced marriage, deceptive recruitment, and human trafficking.

Evans brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having served as Immigration and Workplace Relations Minister under the Rudd and Gillard governments, he has long been a champion of human rights. Additionally, his past work as the Chief Executive of the Global Freedom Network, the faith-based arm of the anti-slavery group Walk Free, further aligns him with the mission to eradicate modern slavery in Australia.

In his new role, Evans will work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and international bodies to address the growing issue of exploitation across the nation. According to Dreyfus, modern slavery is a grave human rights violation that strips victims of their dignity and fundamental freedoms. This includes a wide range of harmful practices such as forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, and sexual servitude.

Walk Free’s Global Slavery Index estimates that around 41,000 people are currently living in modern slavery in Australia, equating to 1.6 individuals for every 1,000 people in the population. Among the most affected are temporary migrant workers, particularly those employed under schemes such as the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) programme.

In New South Wales, a report released by the state’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne, revealed that approximately 16,400 people are caught in exploitative conditions, particularly in the rural and agricultural sectors. The report highlights that many of these workers are subject to forced labour, deceptive recruitment, and debt bondage. Workers in agriculture, horticulture, and meat processing are particularly vulnerable, with some facing extreme cases of servitude and even human trafficking.

The situation is especially dire for workers in the PALM programme. Many of these individuals, largely from Pacific Island nations, come to Australia seeking better opportunities but instead find themselves trapped in exploitative workplaces. Some workers have reported having their passports confiscated, their wages stolen, and being forced to work under unsafe conditions.

Chris Evans and other advocates have called for immediate action to ensure the protection of these workers. Evans stated that temporary migrant workers, who are often tied to specific employers under their visas, face significant risks of exploitation. Those who disengage from the program or leave abusive employers often find themselves without legal status in Australia, which leaves them without access to basic services such as healthcare and accommodation.

This issue has caught the attention of both Australian and Pacific governments. In September, Timor-Leste’s President José Ramos-Horta expressed concern over exploitative practices within the PALM scheme, particularly regarding substandard living conditions and exorbitant fees for travel and accommodation. “We need this program to help our economy, but it has to change, it is unfair, it is exploitative,” Ramos-Horta said during a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.

Similarly, Fijian officials have pledged to investigate allegations of bullying, racism, unsafe working conditions, and forced labour within the programme. Fiji’s Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, has promised to take action to ensure the wellbeing of Fijian workers employed under PALM.

Despite the growing concern, the PALM programme has seen rapid growth, increasing from under 6,000 workers in 2019 to more than 32,000 by mid-2024. While many workers report positive experiences, up to 10% in some sectors have abandoned the programme due to exploitation, while others have turned to seeking asylum in Australia.

As the number of workers disengaging from the PALM scheme rises, the Australian government has acknowledged the need for reforms. Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Murray Watt has called the abuses of the programme “concerning” and vowed to continue making changes to ensure better working conditions for migrant workers.

Chris Evans’ appointment as Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner is a vital step in addressing these systemic issues. With his extensive experience in immigration and human rights, Evans is poised to play a critical role in developing comprehensive solutions to end modern slavery in Australia. His leadership will be crucial as the nation works to protect vulnerable workers and ensure that those trapped in exploitative conditions receive the support they need.

Evans’ appointment comes at a crucial time, as calls for reform within the PALM scheme and greater protections for migrant workers grow louder. As Australia continues to grapple with modern slavery, Evans’ expertise and commitment will be key in tackling the exploitation of thousands of vulnerable workers across the country.