Support for Trafficked People Program
About the program
The Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) is a key component of Australia’s National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25(Opens in a new tab/window).
The STPP assists victim-survivors of modern slavery. Modern slavery includes:
- human trafficking
- forced marriage
- forced labour.
We administer the STPP and it is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross(Opens in a new tab/window).
The STPP assists victims-survivors in meeting their safety, security, health and well-being needs. It also helps develop options for life after victim-survivors leave the STPP.
Case managers help victim-survivors to access services which may include:
- suitable accommodation
- medical treatment (through Medicare and the Pharmaceuticals Benefits Scheme, or as approved)
- counselling
- referral to legal and migration advice
- skills development training, including English-language classes and vocational guidance
- social support.
Support without engaging with law enforcement
The Australian Government is improving the STPP to better meet the needs of victims and survivors of modern slavery, and their dependents, in Australia.
Since July 2024, the STPP has been piloting an assessment and referral pathway to enable victim-survivors of modern slavery to get support without having to engage with law enforcement. This Additional Referral Pathway (ARP) is being delivered nationally by The Salvation Army(Opens in a new tab/window) until 30 June 2027.
This pathway to get support recognises some victim-survivors of modern slavery may not feel comfortable engaging with law enforcement. They might feel more comfortable with a community service provider and more likely to reach out for support.
The 4 program streams
The STPP has 4 streams. These streams are outlined in detail below. If victim-survivors wish, they will be able to receive post exit check-ins for up to 12 months.
Intensive Support Stream
This stream allows for intensive support for 90 days to all people referred to the STPP. This support is given regardless of whether they assist with the investigation or prosecution of a human trafficking or slavery offence.
Clients have access to the following support as needed:
- secure accommodation
- a living allowance
- an amount for the purchase of essentials
- additional assistance for dependents, if required
- access to health care
- access to interpreters
- access to legal services and migration advice
- assistance with accessing income support and a Health Care Card, if eligible.
Justice Support Stream
This stream provides support until the investigation and prosecution of a human trafficking or slavery-related matter is finalised.
Clients have access to the following support as needed and if eligible:
- assistance with accessing income support and a Health Care Card, if eligible
- assistance with securing longer-term accommodation
- assistance to purchase essential furniture and household items
- access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme
- access to legal services and interpreters
- assistance to obtain employment and training if desired
- links to social support.
To access this support, clients must be willing to participate in a criminal justice process including engagement with the AFP.
Temporary Trial Support Stream
This stream provides intensive support for trafficked people who return to Australia to give evidence about a human trafficking prosecution.
Recipients are entitled to short-term accommodation and a weekly living and food allowance.
Transition Stream
This stream allows for a 20-working day period available for clients leaving the STPP to help them to transition back into life outside the STPP.
Post exit check-in
After exiting from the STPP, victim-survivors still in Australia may choose to engage with a caseworker at 3, 6, and 12 months to receive extra assistance to help with recovery.
This assistance is based on individual needs. It may include:
- providing information
- accessing services
- finding additional support
- financial support for emergency items.
Human trafficking visas
The Australian Government has a comprehensive Human Trafficking Visa Framework comprised of the Bridging F Visa and the Referred Stay Visa.
These visas enable foreign nationals who do not already hold a valid visa to stay in Australia lawfully to help with criminal justice concerning their modern slavery experience.
Just like Australian citizens and other valid visa holders who are suspected trafficked people, they can then access support through the STPP.
The Salvation Army(Opens in a new tab/window) can also help you find free legal advice to assist with your case. The Salvation Army service is free and confidential. They can also help find you an interpreter.
Program evaluation
Whereto Research-Based Consulting Pty Ltd (Whereto) carried out an independent evaluation of the STPP. The evaluation took place between June 2024 and May 2025. It also looked at the Additional Referral Pathway.
This work met Action Item 26 of the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25(Opens in a new tab/window). Action Item 26 commits to reviewing the support available to victim-survivors of modern slavery.
