Reports of human trafficking and modern slavery have reached an all-time high in Australia, with exit trafficking cases more than doubling in the past year.
According to new figures released by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for the 2024–25 financial year, there were 420 reports of human trafficking, up 10 per cent from 382 the previous year — averaging one report per day. The sharpest increase was in exit trafficking, which jumped from 35 to 75 reports — a 114 per cent rise.
Forced marriage also surged to 118 reports, up from 91 last year, while reports of sexual servitude rose to 84 from 59.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said the rise in reports reflects growing public awareness rather than a sudden surge in offending. “What we see from these figures is a trending increase in forced marriage and exit trafficking reports.”
“The increase in forced marriage reports may indicate our engagement with at-risk community groups is working,”
Other forms of exploitation included 42 reports of forced labour (down from 69), 36 of child trafficking (up from 35), 22 of domestic servitude (up from 21), 15 of trafficking in persons (down from 39), 12 of slavery (up from fewer than five), nine of debt bondage (down from 10), five of deceptive recruiting (down from 16), and two reports of domestic trafficking in persons (up from none).
There were no reports of organ trafficking or harbouring, which had both been recorded in small numbers the previous year.
Commander Schneider noted that more than 90 per cent of exit trafficking victims are women, often coerced, deceived, or threatened into leaving or attempting to leave Australia against their will.
“The AFP takes a victim-centric approach. If prosecution is not suitable, we look for ways to prevent, disrupt, and educate the community.”
In 2023, the AFP launched the Human Exploitation Community Officer (HECO) program to strengthen outreach and prevention. During the past financial year, HECO officers delivered more than 220 presentations and conducted over 700 community engagements, focusing on identifying human trafficking and child sexual exploitation.
Commander Schneider urged the public to stay alert to signs of trafficking, which can affect people of any age, gender, culture, or background. “Indicators can include people showing fear or anxiety, being unable to communicate freely, lacking access to earnings or identity documents, or being subjected to threats or violence.”
“This is a societal issue — and even the smallest piece of information could help protect someone from exploitation.”
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
