Melbourne Man Jailed for Six Years for Keeping Indonesian Woman as Slave

Chee Kit Chong, a 47-year-old Malaysian national, was sentenced at the County Court of Victoria on Friday after being found guilty earlier this year of intentionally keeping a slave and assault. The charges relate to his abuse of an Indonesian woman aged in her 60s between February and October 2022, who lived with Chong and his family.

Judge Michael Cahill told the court that Chong treated the woman as property, subjecting her to physical violence, denying her medical care and food, controlling her movements and depriving her of sleep. He hit her for the smallest mistake, smashed her head through a wall and kicked her in the face.

The court heard that Chong admonished the woman via text message if she failed to perform domestic work to his standards. On at least one occasion, he told her she could sleep either on the stairs or in the garage.

The victim left the home in October 2022 and was found by police several days later. She was transported to hospital by taxi, arriving malnourished with a swollen ear and leg, a cut on her foot and bruising near her eye.

Judge Cahill noted that Chong had told friends he was paying the woman up to $5,000 per month for her work — a claim the judge said was untrue. The court heard the woman would request crackers and other small food items from a local charity to eat because they were 'easy to hide' from Chong.

Chong, who appeared via video link from Ravenhall Correctional Centre, remained emotionless during sentencing. His wife, Angie Liaw, was initially charged with assisting him but was acquitted after her charges were dropped during the six-week trial.

Slavery is a federal crime in Australia carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case underscores Australia's ongoing struggle to identify and prosecute modern slavery, which often occurs in private homes and involves vulnerable migrant workers.
The four-year non-parole period may be seen by some as lenient given the maximum sentence of 25 years and the 'callous and cruel' nature of the abuse described by the judge.
The victim, a woman in her 60s from Indonesia, was isolated and dependent on her captors, highlighting how immigration status and lack of community support can enable exploitation.

Background

Modern slavery offences in Australia include slavery, servitude and forced labour under the Criminal Code. The country introduced a Modern Slavery Act in 2018, which requires large businesses to report on supply chain risks, but prosecutions of individuals for domestic servitude remain rare. The case of Chee Kit Chong is one of a small number of convictions since the laws were strengthened. The victim, who was brought from Indonesia, had limited English and few contacts outside Chong's household.

Key Perspectives

Advocacy groups and anti-slavery organisations: They argue that sentences for modern slavery offences need to be significantly harsher to act as a deterrent, and that more resources are needed for victim support and identification. Legal professionals: The sentencing reflects the judicial process weighing aggravating factors such as violence and control against mitigating factors, potentially including Chong's lack of prior convictions or cooperation. Government and law enforcement: The successful prosecution demonstrates that modern slavery offences can result in convictions, but challenges remain in detecting cases that are hidden within family homes and communities.

What to Watch

Whether the sentence is appealed by either the prosecution or defence.
If any regulatory or policy changes follow this case to improve victim identification and support for overseas domestic workers.
The outcome of any civil or compensation claims by the victim against Chong.

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