Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 06 NOVEMBER 2019

What you need to know about the Modern Slavery Act (MSA)

Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Contributor
Holding Redlich

Holding Redlich

Holding Redlich is a large national commercial firm with offices in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney,...

View firm profile
Explore more from Holding Redlich

This article explains what changes should be made to contracts, tender documentation and policies for MSA compliance.

AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Scott Alden
Scott Alden
Victoria Gordon
Victoria Gordon
Author LinkedIn connections

For the majority of Australian entities required to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (MSA) the time to start implementing changes in their business to comply with the requirements began earlier this year (depending on the financial year adopted by that entity).

Accordingly, entities should be carrying out a number of MSA activities in parallel including:

  • developing a MSA action plan
  • assessing whether it is a 'reporting entity' and, in respect of an entity comprising a group, which entities need to report and how that report is done and authorised
  • undertaking due diligence and a risk analysis in respect of its supply chain
  • a review of corporate policies
  • changes to supplier on-boarding practices, including development of vendor questionnaires

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

See more popular content from

Podcast

Modern Slavery In Transition: A Podcast Series With Mallesons

Modern slavery frameworks are undergoing rapid transformation globally, with organisations facing mounting pressure to demonstrate meaningful action beyond mere reporting. This three-part podcast series examines the legal, regulatory and practical developments reshaping modern slavery compliance across Australia, the UK and beyond, from enforcement reforms and mandatory due diligence to trade restrictions and emerging litigation risks.
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Slaughter and May
Slaughter and May
Article

Automated Decision-Making: New OAIC Guidance Highlights Expectations For Government Agencies

Australian government agencies face a December 2026 deadline to update their privacy policies with detailed explanations of automated decision-making systems. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's new guidance clarifies when computer-assisted decisions trigger disclosure obligations, how human oversight affects those requirements, and what specific information agencies must reveal about the personal data and decision types involved in their automated processes.
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Mandatory AI Safety And Security Protections For Frontier AI: Australia Sets Its Direction

The Australian Government has announced plans to legislate mandatory AI safety and security protections for frontier AI companies operating in Australia, establishing a new targeted regulator to enforce compliance. The proposed framework will require companies to maintain security controls, identify risks, allow independent evaluations, and rapidly report incidents, though key details regarding definitions, thresholds, and penalties remain to be determined through consultation and drafting.
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Piper Alderman
Piper Alderman
Article

Digital Duty Of Care: What Australian Businesses Need To Know

The Australian Government's proposed digital duty of care reforms would extend online safety obligations far beyond social media platforms to encompass any business operating websites, digital platforms, or AI-enabled tools. Rather than simply responding to complaints, businesses would need to proactively identify foreseeable risks and implement safeguards, with substantial penalties for non-compliance reaching up to $109.2 million for companies. The exposure draft introduces a fundamental shift from reacti
AustraliaPrivacy
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Update On Status Of Key Tax Measures Announced In Budget 2026-27

Australia's 2026-27 Budget introduces sweeping changes to capital gains tax, negative gearing, and discretionary trust taxation, fundamentally reshaping decades of established tax policy. The Treasury Laws Amendment (Tax Reform No. 1) Act 2026 has now received Royal Assent, but significant controversy surrounds key provisions including the new 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts and restrictions on corporate beneficiaries. How will these reforms affect existing trust structures, investment strategies, a
AustraliaTax
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Fair Work Commission Releases New AI Guidance And Warns Against Blind Reliance On AI

The Fair Work Commission has introduced new guidance requiring parties to disclose their use of generative AI in proceedings, following a 70% surge in workload attributed to AI-generated applications. A recent case demonstrates the consequences of blind reliance on AI tools, with one applicant ordered to pay costs after continuing a jurisdictionally flawed claim despite repeated warnings from the Commission.
AustraliaEmployment and HR
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

OAIC Guidance And How Private Sector Organisations Can Prepare

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has released guidance on new automated decision-making transparency requirements under the Privacy Act, commencing 10 December. Private sector organisations using AI-enabled products, recruitment technologies, fraud detection tools, pricing algorithms and other data-driven systems must now assess whether their automated systems trigger disclosure obligations in privacy policies.
AustraliaPrivacy
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Automated Decision-Making: New OAIC Guidance Highlights Expectations For Government Agencies

Australian government agencies face a December 2026 deadline to update their privacy policies with detailed explanations of automated decision-making systems. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner's new guidance clarifies when computer-assisted decisions trigger disclosure obligations, how human oversight affects those requirements, and what specific information agencies must reveal about the personal data and decision types involved in their automated processes.
AustraliaGovernment, Public Sector
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Victoria’s New Data Centre Rules – Implications For Developers And Operators

Victoria's new Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan introduces comprehensive planning, renewable energy, and community benefit requirements for data centre developments. The regulations establish location restrictions, noise limits, renewable energy mandates, and water supply requirements while creating new referral authorities to oversee compliance. These changes will significantly impact how developers and operators plan and execute data centre projects in Victoria's rapidly expanding market.
AustraliaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich
Article

Federal Budget 2026-27: Three Tax Changes Reshaping Investment, Trust Structures And Business Planning

Australia's 2026-27 Federal Budget introduces sweeping tax reforms that fundamentally reshape investment planning, trust structures, and business operations. The replacement of the 50% CGT discount with indexed gains and a 30% minimum tax, restrictions on negative gearing to new builds only, and a 30% minimum tax on discretionary trusts create unprecedented challenges for property investors, professional services firms, and family businesses. Understanding how these three interconnected measures work togeth
AustraliaTax
Holding Redlich
Holding Redlich