Commission supports industry to tackle modern slavery

The Australian Human Rights Commission is working to support Australian businesses to effectively respond to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and promote measures that situate efforts to identify and address modern slavery risks within a broader human rights framework.

The Commission is collaborating with KPMG Banarra to prepare sector-based guidance on responding to the Act, which requires certain large companies to report annually on their efforts to address risks of modern slavery in their global operations and supply chains.

The packs provide practical sector-based advice which complements the Commonwealth Guidance for Reporting Entities.

According to the Global Slavery Index more than 40 million people are living in modern slavery conditions globally, with up to 15,000 people in Australia.

The first sector pack released in August 2020 focused on Property, Construction and Modern Slavery and:

• Highlights particular modern slavery risks prevalent in the property and construction sector
• Provides tips for the property and construction sector on leading practice and a rights-based approach to managing modern slavery risks
• Fosters transparent modern slavery reporting for the benefit of business, government, and the people at risk of harm.

The guide is relevant not only to businesses in the property and construction sector required to report under the Modern Slavery Act but also to their suppliers and investors with assets the property and construction sector.

Guidance for a range of other industries is currently in development and will be released in coming months.

Date: 12 November 2020

Source: Australian Human Rights Commission