The Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network has welcomed the historic appointment of Chris Evans as Australia’s first national Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
“This is a great day for all who have advocated for an independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and the Labor Government that has fulfilled its pre-election commitment to establish and appoint this role,” ACAN program manager Alison Rahill said.
“As the largest anti-slavery collaboration in Australia, ACAN looks forward to engaging with Mr Evans on the important work he has ahead of him.”
Mr Evans was a Labor member of the Australian Senate for 20 years, serving in senior Cabinet roles such as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship.
From 2007 to 2013, he was Leader of the Government in the Senate.
Mr Evans was the strategic engagement lead of Walk Free, the international organisation that produces the benchmark Global Slavery Index.
The Anti-Slavery Commissioner will strengthen the work undertaken across government, business and civil society to prevent and respond to modern slavery by supporting victims and survivors, raising community awareness, and helping business address the risk of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains.
“In his new and foundational role, Mr Evans will need to draw on his formidable experience in government and the private sector to make a difference to the estimated 41,000 people experiencing modern slavery right here in Australia and 50 million people worldwide,” Ms Rahill said.
“This must include examining economic, migration, corporate governance, social and trade policies settings that currently undermine Australia’s anti-slavery ambitions
The appointment is for a term of five years.
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