Government Response to Modern Slavery

Announcement from Minister Alex Hawke MP

Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Minister Alex Hawke MP, has announced that the Government will be introducing legislation into Parliament by mid June to establish a Modern Slavery Act. The Act will require more than 3,000 large corporations and other entities to publish annual public statements on their actions to address modern slavery in their supply chains and operations. In so doing, the Government will be calling on business to assist in bringing about an end to slavery in our time. The Government has made a commitment to lead by example by publishing an annual statement covering Commonwealth procurement. To assist in the implementation of reporting requirements $3.6 million has been allocated to establish an Anti-Slavery Business Engagement Unit. Minister Hawke also announced $500,000 will be awarded to specialist NGOs working to prevent and address slavery. Read more…