NSW Modern Slavery Act 2018
The NSW Modern Slavery Act 2018 passed the NSW Parliament on 21st June 2018 and received royal assent six days later. However, to date the Act has not been proclaimed.
A Sydney Morning Herald article on 9th June indicates that the Act is back on Parliament’s agenda. The Government has indicated there will be changes to the Act leaving members of the Opposition and advocacy groups concerned that the Act will be weakened. On Tuesday 8th June 2021 the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council presented the following motion:
“That leave be granted to bring in a bill for an Act to amend the Modern Slavery Act 2018 to make further provision with respect to slavery, slavery-like practices and human trafficking; and for other purposes.”
It is important that the NSW Modern Slavery Act retain the elements which made it a world leading piece of legislation.
- Supply chain reporting for entities with an employee in NSW, with penalties for non-compliance.
- An Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
- Support for victims.
- Government procurement to be included.
- Education and awareness raising provisions.
At this stage the Government has not indicated when the Bill will be introduced. Until this happens we will not know the details the of amendments it is proposing to make to the Modern Slavery Act 2018.
ACRATH joins with other advocates urging the NSW Parliament to proclaim the NSW Modern Slavery Act 2018.
