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The Salvation Army welcomes Labor’s pledge to enhance Australia’s response to forced marriage, especially their vow to establish a dedicated unit to support victims and vulnerable people at risk.

Jenny Stanger, National Manager of The Salvation Army’s national initiative to end modern slavery, The Freedom Partnership, said Labor pledge represents a significant leap forward in Australia’s response to forced marriage.

“Today’s announcement reflects our experiences of supporting people affected by forced marriage for the past 10 years. It is a complex issue requiring a multi- pronged, multi-stakeholder approach accompanied by meaningful resources. We thank the ALP for this commitment,” Ms Stanger said.

Standing alongside The Salvation Army today, Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek, pledged a future Labor Government will introduce forced marriage protection orders to provide civil protection against forced marriage for all victims.

Ms Plibersek said an elected Labor Government will also provide $8.7 million to expand access to Commonwealth support for victims of forced marriage and vulnerable people at risk of forced marriage.

“If Labor is elected, we will strength protections for people who are at risk of being forced into marriage or who have been forced into marriage,” Ms Plibersek said.

“Forced marriage is a grave violation of a person's rights… we need to work together as a community to ensure forced marriage doesn’t happen.”

The Salvation Army’s National Head of Government Relations, Major Brad Halse, said The Salvation Army has been instrumental in mobilising community, business and government to recognise their contributions to modern slavery and take action to eradicate it.

“Through raising awareness, education and training, and working in partnership with the community to ensure that people who have experienced slavery are adequately protected, The Salvation Army has been at the forefront in the fight against modern slavery,” Major Halse said.

“We remain committed to ending modern slavery by ensuring every Australian is empowered to take action.”

ENDS

For more information or media comment, please contact: The Salvation Army Media Department – (02) 9466 3143

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