Australia’s refugee policies risk fuelling modern slavery as Albanese Government and Dutton Opposition push controversial bills
Walk Free is urging the Australian Government and Opposition to withdraw 3 controversial migration bills that risk exposing refugees and asylum seekers to increased vulnerabilities, including modern slavery.
The Migration Amendment Bill 2024, Migration Amendment (Prohibiting Items in Immigration Detention Facilities) Bill 2024, and Migration (Removals and Other Measures) Bill 2024 are set to be rushed through Parliament tomorrow.
Harmful provisions of the Australian Government’s proposed migration bills
The 3 proposed bills would grant sweeping powers to the Minister for Immigration, including the ability to:
- Impose travel bans on entire countries
- Force people to help with their own deportation or else face jail time, regardless of how long they have lived in the community or whether they have made a family in Australia
- Pay third countries to house removed asylum seekers, with no information on what safeguards would be in place to protect this vulnerable cohort
- Deny people in offshore detention from being able to blow the whistle on abuses or contact their legal representation by banning mobile phones
- Warehouse people forever in offshore detention with no hope of freedom
These measures will exacerbate vulnerabilities to modern slavery rather than address them.
Why refugee protections are critical in combating modern slavery
Walk Free condemns these efforts by the Australian Government and Opposition in supporting legislation that would strip refugees and asylum seekers of fundamental human rights.
These bills follow the High Court’s 2024 decision in YBFZ, which found that the curfew and electronic monitoring regime imposed on refugees and asylum seekers was unconstitutional. They are the latest in a long line of policies that demonise refugees in Australia.
Refugees face disproportionate risks of modern slavery due to compounding vulnerabilities, including isolation, lack of access to basic needs, and threats of violence.
These systemic issues increase the likelihood of exploitation and abuse. Instead of addressing these factors, these policies worsen the dangers faced by refugees.
Australia’s anti-slavery reputation at stake
Australia’s modern slavery response is globally recognised, ranking second in the 2023 Global Slavery Index.
Initiatives such as AU$8 million in anti-slavery funding, the appointment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and recent comprehensive reviews of modern slavery laws have showcased the country’s commitment to addressing exploitation.
However, the Australian Government’s proposed bills directly contradict these efforts.
By pushing through legislation that marginalises refugees, the Government risks undermining taxpayer-funded anti-slavery initiatives and creating further barriers to identifying survivors.
Australian Government’s refugee policies undermine human rights and modern slavery protections
“The Australian Government cannot protect trafficking victims with one hand, while with the other, demonise and restrict the civil liberties of refugees and asylum seekers, and still claim they are protecting human rights,” Walk Free’s Director, Jacqueline Joudo Larsen, explains.
“You cannot separate the rights of refugees from protecting people from the risks of modern slavery. This Government is undermining their good efforts in combating extreme exploitation by continuing to attack this vulnerable population.
“Nobody will be made safer by these amendments – not the general public, not survivors of modern slavery, and least of all, people seeking safety on our shores in accordance with their legally protected human rights.”
UN expert highlights refugee vulnerabilities in Australia
The vulnerability of refugees and asylum seekers to exploitation was reinforced by Tomoya Obokata, UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, during his November 2024 visit to Australia.
Obokata’s statement highlighted how refugees’ extreme susceptibility to abuse and exploitation remains a significant challenge.
Lessons from the UK show anti-refugee laws increase modern slavery risks
“As an Australian working on global human rights in London, it’s hard to ignore the eerie similarities between the Safety of Rwanda Act and Illegal Migration Act to these bills proposed by the Australian Government,” Walk Free’s Founding Director, Grace Forrest, says.
“The UK bills were condemned by survivors and experts who said they would increase risks to modern slavery for people who are already vulnerable. These latest efforts by the Australian Government, together with the Opposition’s support, will do the same.”
What can you do?
You can urgently contact your senator to let them know you don’t support the Bill as currently written, and urge your representative to take into account how this Bill will negatively impact Australia’s efforts to combat modern slavery.
A list of senators is available to help you find the name of your local senator and their contact details.
