The James Martin Institute for Public Policy (JMI) and the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne, are partnering to develop a vision and strategic plan to combat modern slavery in NSW, as required by the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW).

JMI and the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner will work together to harness the diverse expertise of survivors, anti-slavery experts, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations, business and the general public to develop a shared understanding of where modern slavery risks exist in NSW, where resources are working well, and where they could work better. The resulting strategic plan is expected to be published in the first half of 2023.

Survivors of modern slavery will help to shape the project from the planning stage onwards alongside JMI-led expert workshops, an ASC-led public consultation process combining written submissions and online feedback using the NSW Government Have Your Say portal, and a series of online articles. The Commissioner will also consult with the Attorney General, as required by the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW). This extensive engagement will examine a broad range of thematic issues – from addressing modern slavery in supply chains and portfolios to optimising criminal justice efforts and service provision to create a framework based on the best available evidence.

The appointment of an Anti-slavery Commissioner for NSW offers an opportunity to build on the leadership shown by the NSW Parliament through the adoption of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW), and to keep NSW at the forefront of innovation and impact in the fight against modern slavery.

“I am delighted to be partnering with JMI as I work with stakeholders to develop this first strategic plan to combat modern slavery in NSW,” Dr Cockayne said. “JMI’s exceptional convening power and collaborative, inclusive and evidence-driven approach will help anti-slavery stakeholders come together to develop a robust, shared vision for our work in the years ahead.”

The Commissioner encouraged anyone committed to combating modern slavery to engage in the consultation process. “Modern slavery is a system failure”, Dr Cockayne noted. “Solving it requires system-wide responses.” Dr. Cockayne added that the consultation will commence with an introductory webinar on 24 October. Members of the public and experts will be able to share their views via a range of options and further details of the full consultation process can be found on the Anti-slavery Commissioner’s website.

“The appointment of a dedicated Anti-slavery Commissioner is a first for NSW and Australia. We are delighted to be supporting the Commissioner to develop a strategic plan that will transform anti-slavery policy in NSW for the future,” said Libby Hackett, Chief Executive of JMI.

“Our mission is to support policymakers by facilitating access to a wide range of experts”, Libby Hackett said. “Modern slavery is a deeply complex and damaging issue, and we are honoured to be contributing to efforts to tackle it within NSW.”

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