This fact sheet looks at slavery in 21st century Australia.
Slavery happens in Australia
Slavery is the condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised, including where such a condition results from a debt or contract made by the person.
Slavery is a crime against humanity and Australia owes obligations to people who are held in conditions of slavery and servitude.
What is Australia doing?
Section 270.3(1)(a) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) makes it an offence to intentionally possess a slave or exercise over a slave any other powers attaching to the right of ownership.
In 2008, the High Court of Australia handed down its judgment in Australia’s first slavery case The Queen v Tang [2008] HCA 39. The High Court noted that factors such as: control of movement, control of physical environment, psychological control, measures taken to prevent or deter escape, force, threat of force or coercion, assertion of exclusivity and subjection to cruel treatment and abuse, control of sexuality, and forced labour were indicators of slavery.
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