Sydney, Melbourne airports campaign targets modern slavers

Picture: supplied

With modern slavery now a growing problem in Australia, the country’s two largest airports have teamed up to fight human trafficking.

Sydney and Melbourne airports are teaming up with anti-slavery organisation A21 to run a “Can You See Me?” public awareness campaign, with help from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

As of Monday, November 4, digital screens and billboards at check-in counters, gates and baggage carousels will display images and messages. QR codes also link to videos and information on how to identify and stop these crimes.

Modern slavery is a growing issue in Australia; the AFP says it received 382 reports in 2023-24 financial year, a 12 per cent increase on the year before.

Cases include trafficking, forced marriage, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, debt bondage, forced labour, deceptive recruitment and organ trafficking. The Global Slavery Index estimates 41,000 people in Australia live in modern slavery.

FEDERAL POLICE

AFP Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner says the growth in reported cases of human trafficking in Australia “highlights the urgent need for action”.

“Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders,” he explains.

“It is important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.

“Engaging travellers and frontline airport staff to recognise the signs and report suspected cases will help disrupt these crimes and protect vulnerable people.”

AIRPORTS

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton says they are “proud” to team up with Melbourne Airport.

“Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation,” he says.

“We deeply value the AFP’s dedication to catching and prosecuting traffickers and the A21 ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign will amplify their efforts by raising critical public awareness and support.”

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus says the partnership is about lives.

“By joining forces with Sydney Airport, the AFP, and A21, we’re taking a stand against modern slavery, a hidden crime that destroys people’s futures,” she says.

“Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers.”

The two airports together cater for 68 per cent of Australia’s total international passenger traffic.

While the campaign runs for the next month, close to seven million passengers are expected to pass through domestic and international terminals at the airports.

The new campaign sight at Sydney Airport. Picture: supplied

CAMPAIGNERS

Nick Caine, the CEO of A21, says: “Everyone has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. Awareness is the first step, and we believe that through this campaign, more victims will be recognised and rescued.

“The ‘Can You See Me?’ campaign has already changed lives across the world; we are grateful to Sydney and Melbourne airports for bringing this powerful message to Australia,” Caine says.

Christian Elliott, Director of the “Can You See Me?” campaign, says: “As director … I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of awareness.”

“This initiative goes beyond just sharing information—it equips every individual who passes through Sydney and Melbourne airports to become a part of the solution,” he says.

“Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible, empowering travellers, staff, and the public to take action. With just one report, one moment of recognition, a life can be saved.

“Together, we can stop the traffickers and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

The Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville say all cash collected from 11 donation boxes at Sydney Airport over the next month will be donated to A21.