Law Council welcomes Modern Slavery Act compliance guide
Risk of exposure to modern slavery is a very real and current problem for Australian businesses, the president of the Law Council of Australia said, as the peak body welcomed the detailed compliance guide that’s been released for the Modern Slavery Act 2018.
“Too often we are tempted to think of slavery as a relic of the past, but the truth is it’s a problem alive and well,” said Arthur Moses SC, Law Council president. “The United Nations has estimated there are more than 40 million victims of modern slavery worldwide.” Around 25 million are estimated to be exploited through global supply chains.”
Australian businesses run the risk of being exposed to modern slavery because of how their supply chains are situated, he said.
“More than half of all modern slavery victims are estimated to live in the Asia-Pacific region, where the supply chains of many large Australian businesses are concentrated. This means the risk of exposure to modern slavery is a very real and current problem for businesses,” Moses said.
Released by the Department of Home Affairs on Thursday, the guide establishes Australia as a world leader in fighting modern slavery, the Law Council said. Moses said that modern slavery in supply chains distorts global markets, undercuts responsible businesses, and poses significant legal and reputational risks for companies.
“The Law Council commends the federal government for the steps it is taking to stamp out this insidious practice, which represents a false economy based on human misery,” he said.
The Law Council said that it looks forward to ongoing consultation with the department, as the guide, which it believes is useful and comprehensive, can be expanded when it moves into its second year.
