We have enhanced access to education and training opportunities for trafficked people by extending eligibility for the Adult Migrant English Program and waiving the Newly Arrived ResidentвЂ™s Waiting Period for certain income support payments. Reforms have been made to the Australian GovernmentвЂ™s Human Trafficking Visa Framework to safeguard the privacy of trafficked people and facilitate better targeted government support. We launched a suite of awareness-raising materials on forced marriage for frontline responders, service providers, community organisations and vulnerable groups. We have strengthened AustraliaвЂ™s forced marriage offences by expanding the definition of forced marriage and increasing the penalties.ДЄnti-Slavery Australia received government funding to develop My Blue Sky, a comprehensive online resource aimed at preventing and addressing forced marriage in Australia. The government is pleased with our achievements thus far, but we know the importance of our ongoing commitment. Over the past year, we have been working closely with the Australian community to implement the National Action Plan.

The National Action Plan was developed in consultation with our non-government partners and sets out the strategic framework for our whole of community response to human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, including forced marriage. One year ago today, the Australian Government launched AustraliaвЂ™s National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and Slavery 2015-2019. The Australian Government is committed to working closely with the community, our faith groups, to combat human trafficking and slavery. It is also an opportunity to reflect on our collective efforts to address human trafficking and slavery, and reaffirm our ongoing commitment to addressing these practices.Д«y bringing together our major faith communities, the launch of the Australian Freedom Network will further strengthen AustraliaвЂ™s comprehensive response to human trafficking and slavery.ДЇaith groups have an important role to play in addressing human trafficking and slavery by affirming the dignity and equality of all people and taking practical action to address injustice. Today is an important reminder that human trafficking and slavery impacts the lives of people around the globe. Malcolm Turnbull MP, as we mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and the launch of the Australian Freedom Network.

I am very pleased to be here today to represent the Prime Minister of Australia, the Hon Thank-you very, very much and apologies for the vagrancies of voting during a sitting day.Д¬an I start by acknowledging my parliamentary colleagues: Richard Di Natale Leader of the Greens in the Senate Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek our host Louise Markus and the many other Senators and Members who will be joining us through these proceedings today to you Andrew Forrest and your daughter Grace to the many, many distinguished faith leaders here today вЂ“ thank-you so much for your presence here today.Д¬an I start by also adding my acknowledgement of country.

Speech by Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-Wells Launch of the Australian Freedom Network 2 December 2015

Senator the Hon Concetta Fierravanti-WellsДisclaimer: This website contains content authorised by previous Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries of the Department now known as the Department of Social Services (DSS).

Freedome network