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International cooperation

Australia Appoints Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling, and Human Trafficking

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Albanese Government has announced the appointment of Ms Jane Duke as Australia's next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling, and Human Trafficking. This appointment underscores the government's ongoing commitment to eradicating modern slavery and working with international partners to address the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking, and related transnational crime. Ms Duke, a senior career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will lead international cooperation and drive responses to modern slavery, including collaboration with the region and as Co-Chair of the Bali Process. Her appointment follows the establishment of Australia's first Anti-Slavery Commissioner and recognition as one of 33 countries to achieve a Tier One ranking in the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ms Jane Duke has been appointed as Australia's next Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, highlighting the government's commitment to eradicating modern slavery.
  • The Albanese Government has established Australia's first Anti-Slavery Commissioner to support victims, raise awareness, and help businesses address risks in their supply chains.
  • Australia was recognized as one of 33 countries to achieve a Tier One ranking in the US Department of State 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.
  • The government will continue to fight against modern slavery through strengthening the Modern Slavery Act and building on existing efforts to stamp out these practices.
  • Ms Duke will play a leading role in driving international cooperation, including close collaboration in the region, to strengthen responses to modern slavery.
  • She will also promote Australia's work as Co-Chair of the Bali Process, a regional consultative forum addressing people smuggling, human trafficking, and related transnational crime.
  • The appointment comes after the departure of former Ambassador Lynn Bell, who made significant contributions to Australia's mission to counter modern slavery.
  • Human trafficking and modern slavery affect more than 50 million people worldwide, as stated by Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
  • The government is committed to eradicating all forms of modern slavery and working internationally through initiatives such as the ASEAN-Australia Counter Trafficking program.

Statistics:

  • More than 50 million people worldwide are affected by human trafficking and modern slavery (Source: Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong).
  • Australia has established its first Anti-Slavery Commissioner to support victims, raise awareness, and help businesses address risks in their supply chains.
  • The US Department of State recognized Australia as one of 33 countries to achieve a Tier One ranking in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report.
  • The government is strengthening the Modern Slavery Act to combat modern slavery.
  • Australia is a leader in the Bali Process, a regional consultative forum addressing people smuggling, human trafficking, and related transnational crime.

Sources:

  • The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Attorney-General, Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia (18 August 2025).
  • Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
  • Quotes attributable to Attorney-General Michelle Rowland.

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