Migration, modern slavery and decent work

The Salvation Army provided a submission to the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, providing feedback into the development of a Strategic Plan for the financial years 2025/26 through to 2027/28.

The Strategic Plan will define priorities, principal objectives and key actions for the Commissioner, setting the direction to provide national leadership and strengthening work to prevent and respond to modern slavery.

The Salvation Army’s submission draws on the expertise of our frontline modern slavery support services, bringing to the Commissioner’s attention the critical need for the Strategic Plan to encompass a whole-of-system response to prevent, disrupt and protect against modern slavery. We also utilise the expertise of our Research and Outcomes Measurement team to provide valuable insights related to monitoring and evaluation.

In the response, we highlight the need to:

• Prioritise the rights, safety and diverse needs of victim-survivors of modern slavery through ensuring a well-equipped and resourced service system;
• Recognise that modern slavery is not homogenous; and
• Ensure that all reforms and the strategic direction of the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner recognises the unique and intersectional risks associated with modern slavery.

At the heart of the submission is our support for the concept “nothing about us, without us.” We identify the critical need to center the voices of lived experience in shaping all anti-slavery initiatives and in dismantling systems of exploitation.