Australia Moves from Reporting to Action in the Fight Against Modern Slavery

In Australia, failing to prevent modern slavery in operations and supply chains could soon become a crime under proposed reforms. These reforms would apply to big companies with revenue over AUD 100 million. The government intends to introduce civil penalties as well for non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018.

These reforms build on recommendations made earlier in the year by Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner, calling for mandatory human rights due diligence and greater scrutiny of high-risk industries, products and services.

Forcing greater corporate accountability over modern slavery issues represents a big shift, not just in Australia, but potentially around the world.

Governments have long asked companies to detail in reports their modern slavery risks. While this has been an important first step—key to bringing modern slavery into boardrooms and before procurement teams—transparency isn’t the same as action. It’s this point the Australian government seems to be making.

Following the latest announcement came the release of a New South Wales parliamentary inquiry on the abuse of temporary migrant workers. The 188-page report documented “harrowing stories of mistreatment“ and called for sweeping reforms.

"The committee was shocked to hear the way survivors had been deceived and mistreated, often living in near uninhabitable conditions, forced to work demanding hours and threatened if they spoke up,” the report said.

In Australia, in response to these issues, companies may soon be required to move beyond reporting risks to showing they have taken reasonable actions to prevent them. (As a defence, companies can argue they took "reasonable steps" to prevent modern slavery.)

This profound change is happening in other places. The European Union is introducing mandatory human rights due diligence, while around the world, governments are requiring businesses to better understand and address human rights risks embedded in their supply chains.

For me, Australia’s announcement really matters. Australia was one of the first countries to introduce a national Modern Slavery Act, and here again it’s helping shape the conversation about what meaningful corporate responsibility should look like.

This higher standard is less about compliance and reports, and more about stopping harm before it occurs. It’s a recognition that transparency isn’t enough. To stop modern slavery and protect human dignity, the world requires meaningful action.