Australia continues to be a global leader in combatting modern slavery with the Morrison Government last year passing the Modern Slavery Act 2018.

The Government has now launched the modern slavery draft guidance for large businesses operating in the Australian market. Public feedback on the draft guidance is now being taken and will help refine the final version of the guidance.

The guidance will assist businesses in the preparation of their annual Modern Slavery Statements which are first due from 2020.

Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, David Coleman said the draft guidance will help businesses better understand and respond to modern slavery risks.

"The business community has a vital role to play in the fight against modern slavery. The new reporting requirement increases businesses' awareness of modern slavery and ensures they drive positive change throughout their supply chains," Mr Coleman said.

"The Government is working with business on the guidance to ensure that businesses covered by the Act understand what modern slavery is and their reporting obligations."

The Act entered into force on 1 January 2019 and requires over 3,000 large businesses and other entities to prepare annual Modern Slavery Statements explaining how they are combating modern slavery.

Further information on modern slavery and how to provide feedback on the guidance is available here.