Last year, 6,000 supporters like you signed our petition demanding stronger modern slavery laws. Today, I’m happy to say that the Australian Government has listened.
The Albanese Government has announced plans to strengthen Australia’s modern slavery laws and hold large companies accountable for exploitation in their supply chains.
Under Australia’s current law, companies with annual revenue above $100 million must report on modern slavery risks. But until now there have been no penalties for failing to report or act. That’s about to change.
The Government’s proposed reforms include:
- A new criminal offence for large companies that fail to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains. Companies will have a defense if they can show they took reasonable steps to prevent modern slavery.
- Civil penalties and stronger enforcement powers for non-compliance.
- Practical guidance to help businesses identify, manage and remedy modern slavery risks.
This is a welcome and long-overdue step towards ensuring companies cannot ignore the 50 million people worldwide who are living in modern slavery including forced labour, child labour and debt bondage.
The Albanese Government will consult on the proposed reforms, enforcement options and possible remedies for victims.
We will continue working to ensure the final legislation is strong, enforceable and centered on workers’ rights. We will also keep calling for broader human rights due diligence laws and a ban on imports made with forced labour.
Together with workers, survivor advocates, unions, businesses, investors and organisations including the Human Rights Law Centre and International Justice Mission Australia, you all helped show the Government that change was urgently needed.
This milestone shows that when united, our voices are powerful. Thank you.