Human Trafficking in Australia Reaches All-Time High

‘Tip of the Iceberg’: Human Trafficking Cases in Australia Soar to Record High

Australia has recorded its highest-ever number of human trafficking reports, with authorities warning the true scale of exploitation is far greater than official figures suggest.

New data from the Australian Federal Police shows 420 human trafficking alerts were received in the 2024–2025 financial year — a staggering rise of 382 compared with the previous year. The surge includes sharp increases in forced removal, forced marriage, and modern slavery cases.

Reports of “exit trafficking,” where victims are coerced or deceived into leaving Australia, more than doubled from 35 to 75. More than 90 percent of those victims were women.

AFP Commander Helen Schneider said the rise is “just the tip of the iceberg,” suggesting that greater awareness has encouraged more victims to come forward. “The increase in forced marriage reports may indicate our engagement with at-risk communities is working,” she said.

Schneider warned that human trafficking cuts across all demographics, affecting people regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. Common signs include victims being denied access to money or identity documents, restricted communication, and visible signs of fear or distress.

Authorities reported fewer cases of forced labour, debt bondage, and deceptive recruiting, and none involving organ trafficking. However, officials say the record numbers highlight an urgent need for continued vigilance and stronger protection for vulnerable individuals.