Australia: Australia has taken a significant step in combating modern slavery by appointing Chris Evans as its first anti-slavery commissioner. Evans, who is a former senator and an advocate against human trafficking, will commence his five-year tenure on December 2, as announced by Attorney General Mark Dreyfus' office. According to Anadolu Agency, the appointment aims to bolster efforts in preventing and responding to modern slavery. The office highlighted that modern slavery strips victims of their dignity and fundamental freedoms, encompassing exploitative practices such as human trafficking, forced marriage, forced labor, deceptive recruiting, and debt bondage. The newly established role of anti-slavery commissioner is designed to enhance collaboration among government sectors, businesses, and civil society, with a focus on supporting victims, raising awareness, and assisting businesses in addressing modern slavery risks within their operations and supply chains. In a related development, a report fro m the New South Wales anti-slavery commissioner in September estimated that the state has approximately 16,400 individuals living in modern slavery conditions. This prompted the state administration to call for an investigation into the risks faced by temporary migrant workers. In alignment with the 2023-24 federal budget, the government has allocated 8 million Australian dollars (around $5.2 million) over four years to support the national anti-slavery commissioner. This initiative fulfills Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's campaign promise to establish an independent commissioner dedicated to combating modern slavery.