The Australian government has pledged additional funding of 14.3 million Australian dollars (9.5 million U.S. dollars) to support victims of modern slavery, particularly those trapped in forced marriages. The funding will be allocated to two programs aimed at providing support, counseling, and emergency accommodation for victims, as well as raising awareness and preventing forced marriages through education.
According to government reports, there are currently approximately 1,900 victims of modern slavery in Australia. In a joint statement, Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth, Assistant Minister Justine Elliot, and Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus expressed their commitment to tackling this issue and ensuring assistance is available to all victims of human trafficking, forced marriage, slavery, and forced labor.
The bulk of the new funding, 12.1 million AUD (8.06 million USD), will be allocated to the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program. This program aims to provide essential support services to individuals who are currently experiencing or at risk of experiencing forced marriage. Victims will have access to counseling, emergency accommodation, and other necessary resources to help them escape from the clutches of modern-day slavery.
The remaining 2.2 million AUD (1.4 million USD) will go toward the existing Speak Now project, which focuses on prevention through education and awareness raising. By empowering communities with knowledge about forced marriage and its consequences, this project aims to create a society in which forced marriages are deemed unacceptable.
This announcement comes in conjunction with the introduction of legislation to establish a Federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Attorney-General Dreyfus presented the legislation to parliament, highlighting the importance of eradicating modern slavery and ensuring compliance with the upcoming Modern Slavery Act. The appointed commissioner will work closely with both the government and private industries to ensure that actions are taken to eradicate this issue.
The Australian government has been ramping up efforts to combat modern slavery and provide adequate support to its victims. In May’s federal budget, 8 million AUD (5.3 million USD) was allocated to fund the new commissioner role for its initial four years.
The commitment of additional funding and the establishment of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner demonstrate Australia’s determination to eliminate modern slavery and protect the rights of its citizens. The government’s comprehensive approach aims to not only support victims but also prevent future instances of forced marriage through education and awareness.
With these initiatives, the Australian government hopes to send a clear message that modern slavery, in any form, will not be tolerated within its borders. By providing essential support programs and preventative measures, the government aims to protect vulnerable individuals, break the cycle of forced marriages, and create a society free from the abhorrent abuses of power associated with modern-day slavery.
