The Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, today launched a public nomination process to establish a Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group (Expert Advisory Group).

 “The Expert Advisory Group reflects the Government’s commitment to collaborating with business and civil society to combat modern slavery in supply chains through Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018,” Assistant Minister Wood said.

“The Government is seeking nominations from experts with practical experience in business and human rights, procurement and supply chain management to help drive effective implementation of the Modern Slavery Act.”

The Expert Advisory Group will provide strategic advice to Government on the implementation of the Modern Slavery Act.

The Expert Advisory Group will comprise of up to 15 representatives from business, civil society and academia, including five permanent representatives from key business peak bodies. Other positions will be awarded to individual experts from business, academia and civil society for an initial term of 18 months.

“Leveraging expertise to ensure the Modern Slavery Act is as practical as possible for businesses to implement is a key focus of the Government,” said Assistant Minister Wood.

‘’The Expert Advisory Group will help ensure the Government continues to draw on knowledge and experience from business and civil society.”

Establishing the Expert Advisory Group builds on the extensive consultation the Government undertook to develop and implement the Modern Slavery Act.

Details on nominating for the Expert Advisory Group are available on the Department of Home Affairs’ website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/criminal-justice/Pages/modern-slavery.aspx