The research,conducted by Gallup,estimated 4300 people in Australia are living in slavery with Mr Forrest identifying food production and the sex industry as two areas vulnerable to the exploitation of workers.
"From the food processing industry in the eastern states to the tomato growing industry in Western Australia,we have unfortunately discovered that forced labour exists in Australia,"the Fortescue Metals Group chairman said."There is also forced prostitution."
Australian consumers may be unwittingly complicit in supporting the practice of slavery overseas,by purchasing products from companies with forced labour in their supply chains.