Modern Slavery Act Australia

The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) is Australia’s supply chain transparency law. Entities above the reporting threshold publish an annual statement setting out modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains and what they have done about them. For most reporting entities that risk sits offshore, much of it in the Indo-Pacific, which is where the domestic law meets Australia’s international effort.

The two sides are run by different departments. The Attorney-General’s Department administers the Act and the public register of statements. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade leads Australia’s international engagement on human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery, including forced labour and forced marriage. Australia co-chairs the Bali Process with Indonesia, established in 2002 and now spanning 45 member governments and four member organisations including the International Labour Organization and the International Organization for Migration. Its Government and Business Forum, set up in 2017, produced the Acknowledge, Act and Advance recommendations on supply chain transparency and ethical recruitment.

The practical consequence for an Australian business is that a statement assembled from head office policy alone will not stand up to much scrutiny. Risk concentrates in the tiers you do not contract with directly, in labour hire and recruitment, and in sectors and countries where workers have little practical ability to leave. Reading a supplier’s own published statement is often more useful than sending another questionnaire.

The reporting threshold, penalties and scope have been through statutory review and may change, so treat this as general information rather than legal advice and confirm the current position before relying on it. DFAT’s overview of Australia’s work on human trafficking and modern slavery covers the international side.

To build the capability a credible statement depends on, see Sentrient’s modern slavery course and cultural awareness training, the case studies from Australian organisations, and the full compliance training courses library.