Property industry supports combatting modern slavery

Australia’s property industry welcomes the introduction of the Modern Slavery Bill 2018 and is committed to working with government and suppliers on addressing modern slavery risks.

Under the proposed legislation, over 3,000 large companies and other entities will be required to publish annual public statements on their actions to address modern slavery in their supply chains and operations. The Commonwealth Government will also publish an annual statement on modern slavery risks in its own procurement.

“As Australia’s largest industry which contributes around 13 per cent of GDP, we recognise the impact and influence our industry has on the community and supply chains,” said Ken Morrison, Chief Executive of the Property Council.

“We are committed to playing our part in addressing modern slavery in supply chains, which in the property sector are multi-tiered and complex which can lead to reduced visibility of what is occurring particularly through outsourcing or subcontracting.

“We want to see a process that positively engages, encourages and supports business to address modern slavery risks. We have engaged closely with Government on the drafting of this Bill through the consultation process.

“Government also has a leadership role to play given its own significant market power in supply chains.

“In this respect we are pleased to the Government will publish its own annual statement covering modern slavery risks in Commonwealth procurement, and we would encourage other governments to also opt-in and produce their own statements.

“The industry looks forward to working with the Government’s Modern Slavery Business Engagement Unit to help businesses meet their reporting obligations and address modern slavery risks,” Mr Morrison said.

Media contact: Matt Francis | M 0467 777 220 | E [email protected]