Tomorrow we will welcome representatives from across the world to Adelaide for the Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime.
This is the first time the Bali Process Ministerial Conference has been held outside of Indonesia. Foreign Minister Penny Wong will Co-Chair the conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.
The Bali Process is the pre-eminent regional forum on these issues and brings together governments, senior officials and business leaders to build new connections and strengthen existing partnerships.
International cooperation is critical for tackling people smuggling, human trafficking and modern slavery. Australia is committed to working with partners in our region to build awareness and help countries strengthen their responses.
For the Third Government and Business Forum of the Bali Process we will be joined by business co-chairs Dr Andrew Forrest of Australia and Pak Garibaldi Thohir of Indonesia.
Cooperation between government and the business community is vital to combating human trafficking and modern slavery.
Reflecting the Australian Government’s focus on ending all forms of modern slavery, at home and abroad, we are today announcing the role of Australia’s Ambassador for People Smuggling and Human Trafficking will be expanded and assume the new title of Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.
More information about the Bali Process.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong said:
“I look forward to welcoming my Indonesian counterpart and friend, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, to Adelaide and to reaffirming our close partnership.
“As Co-Chairs of the Bali Process, Australia and Indonesia work closely together to help countries in our region address the abhorrent crimes of people smuggling, human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery.
“We will work to end modern slavery in every country.”
Attorney-General, the Hon Mark Dreyfus KC MP said:
“As a leader in countering human trafficking and people smuggling, Australia’s role as Co-Chair of the Bali Process complements our domestic reforms to tackle modern slavery, including human trafficking.
“Some of these domestic efforts include strengthening our Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), which is currently undergoing a statutory review, and establishing an Anti-Slavery Commissioner to work with business, civil society, NGOs and State and Territory governments.”
Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Clare O’Neil MP said:
“A whole of region approach is essential to countering these transnational crimes.”
“Home Affairs is proud to co-chair the Bali Process’ Technical Experts on Returns and Reintegration Working Group, and partner with Indonesia to deliver the Regional Support Office (RSO).
“The RSO is the only cooperation mechanism of its kind in the Asia Pacific region, drawing on policy knowledge, technical expertise and operational experience from Bali Process Members and other key stakeholders to develop practical initiatives.”