Australia is expanding the role of its official people smuggling monitor. 

Foreign minister Penny Wong, attorney-general Mark Dreyfus and home affairs minister Clare O’Neil recently met with their Indonesian counterparts to discuss people smuggling and trafficking.

Following the sessions, they announced the expansion of a special ambassador to reckon with the transnational crime issue.

The role of Australia’s Ambassador for People Smuggling and Human Trafficking will now be expanded and assume the new title of Ambassador to Counter Modern Slavery, People Smuggling and Human Trafficking.

“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,” Mr Dreyfus said. 

“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, Clare O’Neil, says that 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),” she said. 

“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.”