The Advisory Committee of the Modern Slavery Registry (Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, Humanity United, Freedom Fund, Anti-Slavery International, Ethical Trading Initiative, Trades Union Congress (TUC), CORE Coalition, Unicef UK, Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) and Freedom United) has published its recommendations to the Australian Government on the introduction of a supply chains reporting requirement in Australia.

 The Advisory Committee recommends the Australian government incorporates strong compliance drivers in the proposed reporting requirement for qualifying businesses headquartered, or operating, in Australia. 

 These compliance drivers include:

• financial penalties for non-compliant qualifying entities;
• ​free, independent and publicly-accessible central repository of annual statements;
• public list of companies required to comply with the reporting requirement; and
• public procurement incentives for compliance.

The Advisory Committee of the Modern Slavery Registry further recommends clear and detailed guidance and awareness-raising materials for the business community. A public awareness campaign should be conducted, in conjunction with the introduction of the reporting requirement, to increase engagement by consumers and the wider community about the human rights risks associated with supply chains.