Australia’s busiest airports are joining forces in a national stand against human trafficking and modern slavery, launching a high-impact awareness campaign across Melbourne, Sydney and Perth airports.
The Can You See Me? campaign is led by global anti-trafficking organisation A21 and aims to help travellers recognise and report the often-hidden signs of human trafficking and exploitation crimes which Australian authorities are saying are on the rise.
Throughout November, passengers passing through the three airports will see the campaign displayed prominently on digital screens and billboards urging them to stay alert and take action with the message: “If you see it, report it.”
QR codes featured in the campaign link to educational materials and real-world scenarios showing how to identify potential victims.
Between them, the three airports handle more than 77 per cent of Australia’s international passenger traffic, with over 8.5 million travellers expected to pass through November alone.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the initiative highlights a crime that “is often hidden in plain sight.”
“By providing our passengers and the airport workforce with the information they need to recognise and report the signs of human trafficking, this campaign will help save lives,” Ms Argus said.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton echoed the message, saying collaboration across Australia’s gateways was essential.
“Every person deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation. Expanding this campaign from east to west shows what’s possible when airports unite for a common cause,” he said.
Perth Airport CEO Jason Waters said his airport was proud to join the effort, activating the campaign across terminals and public areas.
“This campaign brings a critical issue to the forefront and will help protect those most vulnerable in our community,” he said.
The push comes as Australian federal Police (AFP) report a sharp rise in human trafficking cases.
In the past financial year, reports of “exit trafficking”, where individuals are coerced or deceived into leaving Australia, more than doubled.
Overall, trafficking reports to the AFP have surged from 224 in 2020–21 to 420 in 2024–25.
AFP Commander Human Exploitation Helen Schneider said airports play a crucial role in detecting these crimes.
“Airports are a key environment where traffickers seek to move victims across borders. Awareness campaigns like this can make a real difference,” she said.
A21 CEO Nick Caine said expanding the campaign to include Perth marked “a powerful step forward in Australia’s united response.”
“Every airport is a gateway – not only for travellers, but also, tragically, for traffickers. By standing together across the nation, we can turn these gateways into places of protection and awareness,” he said.
A21 Chief Impact Officer Christian Elliott said the campaign’s global reach – from Times Square to Heathrow – has already connected with billions worldwide.
“Human trafficking thrives in silence. By shining a light in places where exploitation hides, we’re empowering everyday people to become part of the solution,” he said.
Locally, the Rotary Clubs of Botany Randwick and Marrickville will again support A21 by donating funds raised through collection boxes at Sydney Airport.
The Global Slavery Index estimates that about 41,000 people in Australia live under conditions of modern slavery – a sobering reminder that exploitation can occur anywhere, including in plain sight.
With millions of eyes passing through Australia’s airports this month, the campaign’s message is clear: awareness is the first step to ending human trafficking.
If you suspect human trafficking, contact the AFP on 131 237 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
