The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee completed an inquiry and report on the Modern Slavery Bill 2018. The bill proposed to establish a modern slavery reporting requirement, which would require certain large businesses and other entities in Australia to make annual public reports (Modern Slavery Statements) on their actions to address modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.
Anti-Slavery Australia commends the Australian Government’s proposal to establish a modern slavery reporting requirement that mandates the reporting of risks of modern slavery in the operations and supply chains of large entities. While a robust framework exists, there remain gaps in Australia’s response to Modern Slavery. Anti-Slavery Australia submits that the Bill provides an opportunity to remedy some of these gaps, particularly relating to the establishment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner and a national compensation scheme. Anti-Slavery Australia provides further comment on the modern slavery reporting requirement, and makes recommendations addressing:
- The benefit of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner; and
- Establishment of a National Compensation Scheme
Anti-Slavery Australia Submission to the Inquiry on the Modern Slavery Bill 2018 (2018)