A Welcome Step Forward in Australia’s Anti-Slavery Efforts

Destiny Rescue applauds the important strides made in Australia’s fight against modern slavery. From appointing a national Anti-Slavery Commissioner to strengthening online protections for children, these initiatives mark vital progress.

But the fight is far from over. As an organisation committed to rescuing children from exploitation across the Asia-Pacific, we continue to urge bold leadership, survivor-centred reforms, ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders, and long-term solutions that prioritise prevention and restoration.

Encouraging Signs — But More Work Remains

While recent developments are promising, systemic issues persist. The Australian International Counter Slavery Alliance (AICSA), of which Destiny Rescue is a proud member, continues to urge the Australian Government to:

• Strengthen legislation and accountability
• Increase survivor care and support
• Expand international cooperation across the Asia-Pacific

Destiny Rescue remains committed to working with all stakeholders to protect vulnerable individuals from trafficking and exploitation — and to amplify the voices and needs of survivors.

Resources for deeper engagement

We encourage stakeholders, decision-makers, and supporters to explore these key resources:

• Destiny Rescue’s 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission: Outlining our recommendations for future policy and funding priorities

• AICSA’s Joint Statement to the Australian Government for the 2025 Federal Election: A united call for stronger anti-slavery commitments across government

Key Reforms and Commitments Worth Noting

We welcome the Government’s ongoing efforts to reduce the devastating impacts of child sexual exploitation — including online harm caused by perpetrators based in Australia.

Recent commitments include:

• Stronger collaboration between the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and eSafety Commissioner to identify and disrupt child sexual abuse material (CSAM)

• Appointment of Australia’s first Anti-Slavery Commissioner — the Hon. Chris Evans

• Response to the McMillan Review of the Modern Slavery Act, agreeing in principle to 25 of 30 recommendations

• “One Talk at a Time” campaign by the Office of Child Safety, encouraging conversations to prevent child sexual abuse

• Final report from the independent review of the Online Safety Act 2021

• Commitment to legislate a Digital Duty of Care — placing legal responsibility on platforms to protect users

• Introduction of a new offence for transmitting deepfake content, including AI-generated CSAM

• Planned social media protections — including a minimum platform age of 16 within the next 12 months

• Continued support for ASEAN-ACT and the Bali Process — regional initiatives addressing trafficking and exploitation

• A national review of child sexual abuse and assault legislation, led by the Australian Institute of Criminology

Why This Matters — And How You Can Help

Every policy reform, new law, and protected child brings us closer to a world where children grow up safe, valued, and free.

But creating lasting change isn’t only a government responsibility — it’s a shared mission.

Destiny Rescue works every day to rescue children, walk with survivors in healing, and advocate for systemic change. But we can’t do it alone.

Partner with us to support rescues, survivor care, and advocacy that turns policy into protection.

Together, we can build a future free from exploitation.

Read more about our mission and how you can get involved →