The government’s decision to toughen the laws reflects growing international pressure for stronger action on modern slavery, as well as domestic advocacy from human rights groups and unions. The reforms position Australia alongside other jurisdictions that have introduced mandatory human rights due diligence requirements, such as the EU and UK. As the legislation progresses through parliament, businesses will be watching closely to understand their new obligations under the strengthened framework, with many consulting legal experts to prepare compliance programs. Industry groups have expressed concerns about the cost of compliance, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that may be caught by the revenue threshold.
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The legislation also includes provisions for a public register of companies that have been found to be non-compliant, adding reputational risk to the financial and legal penalties. This transparency measure is intended to empower consumers and investors to make informed choices and reward responsible businesses. The government has also allocated funding to support businesses in high-risk sectors, such as fashion and electronics, to build their capacity to conduct effective supply chain audits. There will be a dedicated helpline and online portal to assist businesses with understanding their obligations and accessing best practice guidance.
As the laws are debated in parliament, advocates are urging the government to ensure that enforcement is adequately resourced and that the regulator has the independence and expertise to pursue complex cases. They also want to see the laws extended to cover government procurement, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not indirectly funding forced labour. The government has indicated that it will consider this extension in a future phase of reform. The new modern slavery laws represent a significant milestone in Australia’s human rights journey, and their implementation will be closely scrutinised by both domestic and international observers.
