The Department of Home Affairs is hosting a world-leading international conference in Sydney between 26 – 27 June, supporting businesses to combat modern slavery in global supply chains.
“Millions of people around the world are exploited in the supply chains of goods and services we use every day. The heinous commodification of human beings for financial gain robs victims of their dignity and freedom,” Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP said.
“The new Modern Slavery Act and this conference highlight Australia’s commitment to combatting modern slavery and showcases our international leadership on the issue.”
The Modern Slavery Act came into force on 1 January 2019.
The conference will bring together more than 400 global experts and practitioners from business, international governments and civil society, aiming to educate Australian businesses about their obligations under the new legislation and equip them to address modern slavery risks in their supply chains.
It will highlight the importance of business and government working together to address modern slavery in Australia and our region, and will support the implementation of international principles to guide government action to combat human trafficking.
Department of Home Affairs Secretary, Michael Pezzullo, will give the conference keynote address and will outline how the Home Affairs portfolio is working to combat the globalisation of modern slavery.
The UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, will also address delegates. High profile experts from Apple, Hilton, Adidas, Nestlé, Lendlease, Westpac, Konica Minolta, Transurban, IKEA, and Outland Denim will participate in panel discussions.
Foreign officials from the Indo-Pacific will attend the conference, including from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
“The Indo-Pacific is the global epicentre for modern slavery. Australia is working closely together with partner countries and businesses to strengthen the regional response to modern slavery and ensure global supply chains are free from exploitation,” the Hon Jason Wood MP said.
Further Information about modern slavery, the Modern Slavery Act, and the Home Affairs Modern Slavery Business Engagement team is available on the Home Affairs website at https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/help-and-support/how-to-engage-us/consultations/modern-slavery-reporting-requirement.
