After four years since the last face-to-face gathering due to COVID, ACRATH members, staff, and the National Committee have gathered for a three-day conference at St Joseph’s Baulkham Hills, the perfect setting for discussions on the pressing issue of Modern Slavery Is Closer Than You Think.
The conference provided an open platform for ACRATH members to delve into the exploitation of seasonal workers in the agriculture sector.
Insights were also shared by Columban Regional Director of Oceania and ACRATH’s representative on the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme Agriculture Committee, Fr Peter O’Neill ssc.
Those present for the conference also listened to leaders of modern slavery prevention including New South Wales Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Transition Branch Assistant Secretary Cary Duffy.
In a statement released for the conference, an ACRATH spokesperson highlighted that participants engaged in robust discussions and insightful sessions.
“It’s inspiring to connect with so many individuals who share our passion. Together, we can make a difference in tackling exploitation,” an attendee expressed.
The statement continued by saying that the conference buzzed with enthusiasm.
“As goals are established for 2024 and beyond, fostering crucial conversations and partnerships that support ACRATH’s mission to eliminate human trafficking.”
More resources are available from the 16 Days of Activism Campaign https://acrath.org.au/take-action/16-days.
These resources are focused on women migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation and were launched by ACRATH and the Australian Embassy to the Holy See in Rome in November 2023.