Past Event

Human Trafficking in Melbourne: Prevention, Protection & Prosecution

22nd Mar 2012

Event Image

Presenter: Young UN Women Australia (Melbourne Committee)
Website: http://www.unwomen.org.au/
Event Duration: 90 minutes

Our expert panel:

Fiona McLeod SC is a Senior Counsel practicing at the Victorian Bar. She is a former President of Australian Women Lawyers and is a member of the National Roundtable on People Trafficking. Last year, she was recognised by the Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom Awards for her outstanding commitment to addressing human trafficking within Australia. Fiona provided legal counsel in the first successful Australian compensation claims pursued by victims of sex trafficking in Australia. The first of these cases sparked a review of UK compensation schemes for victims of trafficking.

Dr Caroline Norma is a lecturer in the school of global studies, social science and planning at RMIT University and a member of the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women Australia (CATWA). She is currently researching gender problems arising in the professional practice of interpreters working for migrant women accessing sexual assault, domestic violence, and child protection services in Victoria. On behalf of CATWA, she recently submitted comments on the Crimes Legislation Amendment (Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking) Bill 2012. The group has requested a meeting with the Border Management and Crime Prevention Branch to discuss “recent developments in trafficking/slavery in Australia”.  

Petra Wahr has worked and volunteered on trafficking-related issues for over five years in Australia, Mongolia and Germany. She is currently the Program Officer for the Red Cross Support for Trafficked People Program where she is responsible for developing policy, reporting obligations and liaising with stakeholders. Prior to working at the Red Cross she was an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development at the Mongolian Gender Equality Centre in Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia’s only dedicated support service to trafficked people).  At the Mongolian Gender Equality Centre she was involved in direct services for clients, advocacy and program development. Petra has extensive experience working with, and advocating for, trafficked people across all forms of exploitation, genders and cultural backgrounds.

Proceeds will go towards UN Women Australia's International Women's Day Campaign, supporting women's economic empowerment.

DOORS FROM 5.30PM