Modern slavery - have you completed your statement?

The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (the Act) introduced reporting requirements for large entities operating in Australia.

What is 'modern slavery'?

The term 'modern slavery' is defined in section 4 of the Act and includes:

• offences under division 270 or 271 of the Criminal Code  (i.e. coercion, forced labour, servitude),
• trafficking in persons; and
• the worst forms of child labour

The Explanatory Memorandum to the legislation notes that modern slavery mainly occurs in the Asia-Pacific region where the supply chains of many large businesses operating in Australia are based. The Act establishes a formal mechanism that targets modern slavery practices and supports large businesses in addressing modern slavery risks within their operations. Issues can arise in circumstances where vulnerable workers are identified in supply chain operations.