Modern Slavery

Modern Slavery

What is Modern Slavery?

Modern slavery describes situations where offenders use coercion, threats or deception to exploit victims and undermine their freedom.

The United Nations reports that an estimated 40.3 million people are in modern slavery, including 24.9 in forced labour. Out of the 24.9 million people trapped in forced labour, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery | United Nations is held each year on 2 December.

Australia’s Moderns Slavery Act was implemented by the Federal Government in 2018 as part of its global leadership role in combating modern slavery. The law aims to prevent modern slavery by making larger businesses more accountable for the practices of their suppliers. All businesses with a revenue of more than $100 million fall under the act, although smaller companies may also report voluntarily.

What can Australian businesses do?

As a small to medium business you can do your part by including a supplier code of conduct/modern slavery clauses in supplier contracts and identifying where the risk of modern slavery might be in the products you buy to run your business. You could also publish a “Position Statement” on modern slavery on your website to signal your intention to meet compliance.

For inclusion in your business policies manual, please refer to the ASGA / ABLA Anti-Slavery/Modern Slavery Policy