The Australian Government’s Online Register for Modern Slavery Statements is administered by the Australian Border Force (ABF) and houses Modern Slavery Statements provided by entities reporting under the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 (the Act). Pursuant to section 19(2) of the Act, all statements properly submitted to this Register are published, including compliant and non-compliant statements, in order to maximise transparency and ensure entities are publicly accountable for their actions to address modern slavery risks.
Modern slavery is a term to describe serious exploitation – situations where offenders use coercion, threats or deception to exploit victims and undermine their freedom. Practices that constitute modern slavery can include:
- human trafficking
- slavery
- servitude
- forced labour
- debt bondage
- forced marriage, and
- the worst forms of child labour.
Entities that take action to combat modern slavery in their operations and supply chains can protect against possible business harm and improve the integrity and quality of their supply chains.