"Reforms to modern slavery law welcome but need to go further to protect workers’ rights", 2 December 2024

Civil society groups and unions have welcomed proposed changes to strengthen Australia’s modern slavery law, including through the  introduction of penalties, but are calling on the Albanese Government to also introduce a legal requirement for companies to take action to prevent modern slavery. 

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Michele O’Neil, President, Australian Council of Trade Unions said: 

"Five years into the operation of the Modern Slavery Act, it’s clear that the law is not strong enough to deliver real improvements for workers in situations of modern slavery in the operations and supply chains of Australian companies. We welcome the commitment to implement penalties for companies failing to uphold their reporting obligations. However the commitment must go further and should include a requirement for companies to take concrete action to prevent modern slavery - this means introducing a requirement for companies to undertake due diligence, and penalties for companies failing to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains." 

Keren Adams, Legal Director at the Human Rights Law Centre said:   

“As demonstrated by the recent stories of abuse and exploitation coming out of the horticultural sector, Australia’s Modern Slavery Act is currently failing workers.  We therefore welcome the Albanese Government’s plans to strengthen the law, particularly through the  introduction of penalties for companies that fail to report, or falsely report, under the law. 

“But simply enforcing better reporting will not drive the transformational changes to corporate practices we know are needed to help end forced labour. The Act should also impose a legal requirement on companies to take action. We urge the Albanese Government to move swiftly to implement a due diligence obligation on companies, as recommended by the independent review.” 

Professor Justine Nolan, Director, Australian Human Rights Institute said: 

“Strengthening the Modern Slavery Act is a positive step forward. To align with global best practices and create a consistent framework for businesses, Australia should also introduce a mandatory due diligence requirement. A cohesive international legal framework will help improve practices and more effectively combat the widespread issue of modern slavery, which transcends national borders.” 

Carolyn Kitto, Co-Director, Be Slavery Free said: 

“The government has had the Modern Slavery Act Review report for 557 days—during which an estimated 15 million more people have fallen into slavery. While these commitments are welcome, urgent action to implement all recommendations is critical. We cannot afford another delay like this.” 

Amy Sinclair, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Senior Representative, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre said:   

“Whilst these steps to strengthen the Modern Slavery Act are welcome, the Australian Government must move faster to curb the spread of modern slavery. It is time for Australian businesses to move beyond policies and act with due diligence in sourcing their inputs. The government should now move quickly to introduce measures requiring due diligence by businesses to address the egregious abuse of modern slavery.” 

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