The Commonwealth Parliament has recently passed amendments to make forced marriage and forced labour criminal offences.  These amendments expand on the laws against slavery and offer better protection for those who are at risk of being or are forced to work in places such as brothels, construction sites and as domestic workers, often to repay debts.

The amendments take Australia closer to observing obligations under the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children.

If you would like more information on this topic please see the link to the media release by the Attorney General below:
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov.au/Mediareleases/Pages/2013/First%20quarter/27February2013-Newlawstackleforcedmarriagepeopletraffickingandotherexploitation.aspx