Why should we care about modern slavery and what can we do to stop it?

For tens of millions of people around the world, slavery isn’t a vestige of the past, but a reality. In Australia alone, an estimated 41,000 people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021.

Like all nations, Australia is at risk of perpetuating this phenomenon, not only within its borders but through the products it imports. Therefore understanding the part we play in modern slavery and how we can address this pervasive issue is crucial.

The Forrest Research Foundation is proud to launch its latest Perth Dialogue on modern slavery with contributing writers Professor Dame Sara Thornton (former UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner), Associate Professor of Law Dr Fiona McGaughey (The University of Western Australia) and Mr Chris Evans (Australia’s inaugural Anti-Slavery Commissioner) via this in-conversation event.

Moderated by Serena Grant (Director of Business and Human Rights at Walk Free, Minderoo Foundation), these eminent thinkers will delve into why we should care about modern slavery and offer insights into what we all can do to stop it.

Panellists:

Professor Dame Sara Thornton DBE QPM is the former UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and Professor of Modern Slavery Policy at the Rights Lab in the University of Nottingham.

Mr Chris Evans is the inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Mr Evans served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Global Freedom Network of Walk Free and as a Western Australian Senator.

Dr Fiona McGaughey is an Associate Professor of International Human Rights Law at The University of Western Australia and is co-convenor of the UWA Modern Slavery Research Cluster.

Moderator:

Ms Serena Grant is the Director of Business and Human Rights at Minderoo Foundation, leading Walk Free’s efforts to engage the private sector to combat modern slavery, working alongside businesses, investors and governments to improve supply chain practices and strengthen laws.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday 19 March 2025

Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm (doors open at 5.30pm)

Address: City of Perth Library, 573 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000

Cost: Free

Light refreshments and drinks provided

Presenting partners

This event is presented by the Forrest Research Foundation, The UWA Institute for Advanced Studies and the UWA Public Policy Institute.