Australian Catholic Religious against Trafficking in Humans
Mary-Anne THOMAS (Macedon – Leader of the House, Minister for Health, Minister for Health Infrastructure, Minister for Medical Research) (10:59): I rise to share the work of ACRATH, Australian Catholic Religious against Trafficking in Humans. ACRATH is an Australian registered charity of 20 years whose purpose is to eliminate human trafficking and slavery. In Victoria they have a strong group of volunteers, including my friend Marg Leahy. These volunteers donated 2800 hours of volunteer time during the pandemic to work with trafficking survivors and their children. Here is what we can all do to help: ACRATH has invited me and all members of the Victorian Parliament to ensure that the coffee, tea and hot chocolate we drink is slavery free. The first step is to start in our electorate offices. I have made this change in my office in Gisborne, and my staff are excited to join me. I am certain that no-one in this place wants to drink beverages where there is slave labour in the supply chains that bring them to us. It is a simple and small action that can make a significant difference.