Modern slavery in Australia’s diplomatic heart: envoys’ abuse of domestic workers exposed

The Sri Lankan government implying “that there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong about this arrangement … is kind of mind-blowing from an Australian perspective,” said David Hillard, Danaratna’s lawyer.

The case follows a similar incident in March involving a former Indian high commissioner who paid his domestic worker less than A$10 (US$6.70) a day for over a year. Both cases highlight abuses of diplomatic immunity from criminal prosecution and the urgent need for stronger enforcement against modern slavery in Australia.