Sydney and Melbourne airports have joined forces in the fight against human trafficking, launching a month-long public awareness campaign called “Can You See Me?” In partnership with the anti-trafficking organisation A21 and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), this campaign aims to educate passengers and airport staff on the often hidden signs of modern slavery.
With a visual presence across digital screens and billboards in both airports, the “Can You See Me?” campaign carries a message that’s hard to miss: “If you suspect it, report it.” Featuring QR codes linking to further resources, this initiative hopes to reach the close to seven million travellers who will pass through both airports over the next month.
“Every person who steps through our airport deserves to travel safely, without fear of exploitation,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said.
Why this campaign matters
Human trafficking isn’t something that happens only in far-off places, it’s a pressing issue right here in Australia. In fact, the AFP received 382 reports of trafficking and slavery cases in the last financial year alone, marking a 12 percent increase from the previous year. From forced marriage to domestic servitude and deceptive recruitment, the forms of trafficking vary, but the impact on victims is universally devastating.
According to the Global Slavery Index, an estimated 41,000 people in Australia live in conditions of modern slavery. These sobering statistics underscore the importance of the “Can You See Me?” campaign in places as crucial as airports, where traffickers often exploit the anonymity of transit to move victims across borders.
“Airports are key environments where traffickers seek to move victims across borders,” AFP Acting Commander Human Exploitation Frank Rayner explained.
“It’s important to remember that traffickers have many ways of controlling a person and a person can be exploited without physical restraint or abuse.”
What’s happening at the airports
From check-in counters to baggage claim areas, “Can You See Me?” campaign messages are prominently displayed across both Sydney and Melbourne airports. These eye-catching visuals provide quick, accessible information on what to watch for: individuals who seem unusually submissive, unaware of their destination, or uncomfortable with those they’re travelling with.
Through this campaign, A21 and the AFP are arming the public and airport staff with the knowledge to recognise and report suspicious situations. Travellers can scan QR codes for in-depth guidance on spotting signs of trafficking and learn how a simple report can make a profound difference.
As Australia’s busiest international travel hubs, Sydney and Melbourne airports together handle nearly 70 percent of the country’s international passenger traffic. This joint campaign taps into a vast audience of locals, tourists, and business travellers who may unknowingly witness instances of trafficking.
“Knowing that human trafficking is a real and daily threat, we feel a deep responsibility to protect our passengers,” Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said.
The partnership between two competing airports demonstrates the urgency of this issue. Scott Charlton of Sydney Airport and Lorie Argus of Melbourne Airport are sending a clear message: when it comes to stopping human trafficking, there are no rivals, only allies. Their combined influence ensures that travellers, who might otherwise remain unaware of these issues, are prompted to think twice, observe their surroundings, and potentially save a life.
“This initiative goes beyond just sharing information—it equips every individual who passes through Sydney and Melbourne airports to become a part of the solution,” Can You See Me? Director Christian Elliott said.
“Human trafficking hides in plain sight, but through this campaign, we are making the invisible visible.”
The campaign is also supported by local Rotary Clubs, which have arranged for all cash donations collected at 11 donation boxes across Sydney Airport to be directed toward A21’s survivor support programs.
How travellers can help
As you navigate Sydney or Melbourne Airport this month, take a moment to look up. You might see a billboard, a digital screen, or a QR code with the prompt, “If you suspect it, report it.” This simple message reminds us that, sometimes, a single observation can make all the difference.
To report a suspected case of trafficking or modern slavery, the AFP provides an anonymous reporting option through Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000, and a dedicated line at 131 AFP.
“Everyone has a role to play in the fight against human trafficking. Awareness is the first step, and we believe that through this campaign, more victims will be recognised and rescued,” A21 CEO Nick Caine said.
