Josephite Sister Annette Arnold has been appointed as the new president of ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans).

The appointment was announced following last month’s Annual General Meeting.

Sr Annette has been involved in human trafficking issues since 2002, initially through her work addressing forced labour in the garment industry in Brisbane. She has remained engaged with the issues of human trafficking and modern slavery through her congregational work and ACRATH involvement, serving on the National Committee since 2022.

Currently, Annette serves as the Talitha Kum Oceania Regional Representative on the International Talitha Kum Committee. In this role, she has worked to build a stronger and sustainable Oceania network to maximise the potential to both educate and advocate for change across Oceania.

In her new role, Annette is committed to advancing ACRATH’s impact.

“We have celebrated 20 years of ACRATH, which has provided us the opportunity to both celebrate and take stock,” she said.

“At the recent national gathering, the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, told the members gathered that ACRATH is one of the most effective advocates in Parliament House, and the reason is that ACRATH members are not there out of self-interest, but for the long haul.

“ACRATH’s national membership ensures the necessary grassroots flow of information for effective advocacy. We have much work to do to build an impactful presence and continually respond to emerging and cutting-edge needs. It is both an honour and a responsibility to take on this role. All the work of ACRATH members, National Committee and staff is driven and sustained by the shared passion for justice to ensure “all may have life, and have it to the full (Jn10:10).”

Sr Clare Condon SGS concluded her four-year term as President at the close of the Annual General Meeting on March 26. ACRATH Treasurer Michael Mooney, on behalf of the Members and staff, thanked Sr Clare for presenting the Annual Report and for her leadership of ACRATH as President
2022-2026 and as a National Committee member 2020-2022.

“Clare has been a visionary in meeting the challenge of financial sustainability for a small charity like ACRATH,” he said.

“She was the driving force behind establishing the Revenue and Marketing Committee to increase donations and implement a Bequest program. Clare has responded generously to the various challenges and questions regarding ACRATH’s sustainability, keeping ACRATH’s mission in focus. It is important to recognise that…Clare is both a committed leader and a doer.”

Additionally, the AGM welcomed Marguerite Buckley as the new Secretary and expressed sincere thanks to Sr Carmel Heagerty RSM for her dedicated service in this role.

This article is based on a media release from ACRATH.