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Anti-Slavery Laws Target Companies in Australia

by Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY --

   Australia has proposed new laws in parliament in a bid to become a
   world leader in fighting slavery. More than 3,000 Australian companies
   will be required to report what they are doing to avoid slavery in
   their supply chains.

   The government says the proposed laws are a milestone in Australia's
   fight against a "heinous crime."

   It is estimated there are 4,000 people in slaverylike conditions in
   Australian farms, mines, building sites, brothels and homes.

   Many have been trafficked from Asia, particularly South Korea, Malaysia
   and Thailand.

   Modern slavery

   Victims of modern slavery can be bullied into prostitution through
   coercion or threats to family members back home, or forced to work for
   low wages on construction sites or in factories. Slavery can include
   also the theft of wages.

   Under the legislation, a Modern Slavery Business Engagement Unit will
   be set up to monitor the new regulations.

   Alex Hawke, Australia's assistant minister for Home Affairs, says the
   law will make a difference.

   "For the first time, large businesses will be required to identify how
   their operations and supply chains may contribute to modern slavery and
   explain what they are doing to address these risks," he said. "This
   bill will send a clear message that modern slavery is unacceptable in
   the supply chains of all of our goods and services."

   Law needs teeth

   Campaigners believe the Australian legislation is an important step but
   say there should be penalties for companies that fail to comply or
   don't do enough to eradicate slavery.

   "A mandatory reporting scheme is not really mandatory if there are no
   consequences for companies that fail to comply," said Keren Adams, the
   director of advocacy at the Human Rights Law Center. "So without
   financial penalties and with no independent commissioner to help
   enforce them, we think the new laws will lack the necessary teeth to
   make sure that the worst offenders lift their game. We think the
   government needs to urgently address the weaknesses in the bill and
   send a strong message to brands that profiting from abuse will not be
   tolerated."

   The anti-slavery law is expected to be approved by Australia's
   parliament. If so, it will be reviewed in three years to see how it is
   working.

   The results of a three-year investigation by Australia's workplace
   watchdog found foreign workers and backpackers on farms are being
   treated like "slaves."

   The United Nations has estimated that 25 million people are exploited
   in international supply chains, including in the agriculture,
   construction and manufacturing industries.