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The Albanese Labor Government is supporting victims and survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery through an innovative pilot connecting them directly to the services they need.

From today the Additional Referral Pathway pilot will mean eligible victims and survivors will be able to access the Support for Trafficked People Program through referral from select community providers, without requiring initial engagement with law enforcement as is currently the case.

The pilot will be delivered by The Salvation Army and consortium partner organisations, who will assess eligibility and make direct referral to the program for victims and survivors of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices.

This acknowledges that in some circumstances victims and survivors may be more able to engage with law enforcement after they have received more information through the new pilot, or after they have been referred to the Australian Red Cross and received initial support through the program.

In the 2023-24 Budget, the Albanese Government announced a funding boost of $24.3 million for the Support for Trafficked People Program to extend and enhance the program, including for the Additional Referral Pathway pilot and restructuring the program to better meet the needs of victims and survivors.

Acting Attorney-General Katy Gallagher said this announcement was another step the Albanese Government has taken to combat human trafficking and modern slavery practices.

“The Albanese Government is committed to strengthening supports for victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking,” Acting Attorney-General Katy Gallagher said.

“It is essential that we provide support to victims and survivors where and how they need it. The Additional Referral Pathway pilot provides an additional access point for people in vulnerable situations, connecting them to community-based services without the need to engage with law enforcement.”

Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth said there was a clear need to expand access to the program.

“We’ve already seen a 64 per cent increase in referrals compared to the previous year and research from the Australian Institute of Criminology estimates that for every one person in the program, there are another four victims that remain unidentified.

“This Additional Referral Pathway will make an immediate difference across Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas.”

Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence Justine Elliot said the pilot is expected to increase access to the program for victims and survivors.

“Our Government recognises that due to past trauma or complexities in their individual circumstances, some victims and survivors may be reluctant to engage with law enforcement as their first step and may be more comfortable engaging with a community service provider.

“By offering an additional pathway into the program, the Additional Referral Pathway pilot will give us an even greater understanding of the prevalence of modern slavery in Australia and ensure victims and survivors get the support and services they need.”

The Salvation Army, as the successful grantee, have chosen the consortium partner organisations of the pilot to include Anti-Slavery Australia, Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights, Project Respect and Scarlet Alliance. The pilot will run until November 2025 and the independent evaluation of the Support for Trafficked People Program will also include findings from the pilot.