Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 is a transparency framework that requires certain large businesses operating in Australia to describe how they identify and address modern slavery risks in their global supply chains and operations.
Modern slavery in supply chains
Modern slavery can occur in every industry and sector, and seriously harms victims. It is often linked to other harmful activities, such as corruption and environmental damage.
Modern slavery distorts global markets, undercuts responsible business and can pose significant legal and reputational risks to organisations.
The extent of modern slavery means it may exist in the global operations and supply chains of Australian businesses. This means that modern slavery could be used to produce and supply Australian goods and services.
Businesses have a responsibility to respect human rights, as outlined in the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This includes taking steps to identify and address modern slavery risks.
Taking action against modern slavery also makes good business sense. Organisations that do this can improve the integrity and quality of their supply chains, and protect against harm to their reputation. They can also increase profitability, investor confidence and access to financing opportunities.
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018
Australia’s Modern Slavery Act entered into force on 1 January 2019. It established a national modern slavery reporting requirement, which applies to large businesses and other entities in the Australian market with annual consolidated revenue of at least $100 million.
These organisations must prepare an annual modern slavery statement. The statement explains how they are addressing modern slavery risks in their global operations and supply chains.
The statements are publicly available on the Modern Slavery Statements Register.
The Australian Government also publishes an annual modern slavery statement that explains what it is doing to identify and address modern slavery risks in government procurement and investments.
Read more about the Modern Slavery Act and other measures
Other modern slavery reporting obligations in Australia
In New South Wales (NSW), a range of government agencies, state-owned corporations, councils and universities have additional modern slavery reporting obligations. To learn about the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW), visit the website of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner.
The role of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner was created by the Modern Slavery Act 2018(NSW). To learn more, visit the website of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner.