Communities and Justice

Learn more about the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner

About the Anti-slavery Commissioner 

Dr James Cockayne grew up in Sydney and now lives on Bundjalung country in the Northern Rivers. Trained in law, public policy and human rights, James spent two decades overseas promoting human rights and responsible business practices – from counter-terrorism work in Africa and the Middle East, to advising United Nations leaders in New York, Geneva and Tokyo. Over the last decade James’ efforts have focused on the global fight to end modern slavery, including founding the Global Financial Sector Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, leading the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations study group on trafficking in persons and setting up the United Nations’ knowledge platform on modern slavery. 

The Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner

The role of NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner is an independent statutory office. The Commissioner operates independently of the NSW Government. The Commissioner’s work is supported by the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner (OASC). He also receives advice from an Advisory Panel, which includes people with lived experience of modern slavery. He works closely with the NSW Parliament Modern Slavery Committee.  

The OASC is a small team of anti-slavery practitioners with expertise in trauma-informed support, human rights, commercial law, public policy and communications. The team includes a person with lived experience. OASC has five areas: 

  • Policy and Projects
  • Executive Support
  • Business and Human Rights (including the GRS team)
  • Communications and Engagement
  • Lived Experience Practice

Contact OASC on antislavery@dcj.nsw.gov.au

For matters relating to the Guidance on Reasonable Steps and due diligence, contact the GRS team on GRS@dcj.nsw.gov.au

NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s Advisory Panel

The NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner has established an Advisory Panel to provide advice and counsel as he discharges his functions. Members are appointed through an open application process, for a year (renewable). At present, one fifth of the Advisory Panel’s members have declared lived experience of modern slavery or related issues.

Priorities

The NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s strategic priorities are set out in his Strategic Plan 2023-2026, Working Together for Real Freedom. They are:

  • Build prevention capacity
  • Enable remedy
  • Foster responsible business practices
  • Change the narrative
  • Develop a community of purpose

Learn more about the Commissioner’s Strategic Plan 2023-2026

Learn more about the Projects that OASC has in place to execute this Strategic Plan. 

Download the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s fact sheet in English and 20 community languages.

Last updated:

13 May 2024