What is Modern Slavery?
The word ‘slavery’ is often associated with human rights infringements imposed centuries ago by wealthy and privileged landowners across the globe. By this reasoning, the term would be considered redundant in today’s more enlightened society.
Unfortunately, the reality is quite different; the 2018 Global Slavery Index estimated that there are over 40 million victims of Modern Slavery practices worldwide today and, due to the nature of the data, this figure may be on the low side. Slavery today – or ‘modern slavery’ – can take many different forms and refers to instances of human exploitation where the victim cannot refuse or leave.
While it is believed that there are around 15,000 people living in conditions of Modern Slavery in Australia, many Australian supply chains lead directly to the Asia Pacific region where there are estimated to be over 30 million people in situations including human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage, as well as other breaches of an individual’s basic human rights.
Modern Slavery Legislation in Australia
In early 2017 the Australian Government started an Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia, and since then there has been a steadily increasing focus on this important topic.
The ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ report, released in December 2017, sets out the case for a Modern Slavery Act for Australia providing details around definitions, transparency, responses and support, with legislation due to be introduced mid-2018.
The NSW Modern Slavery Bill passed in June 2018 is intended to cover public and private sector organisations with a turnover of more than $50 million operating with staff in NSW.
The Australian Government introduced a Modern Slavery Bill which passed both Houses in November 2018 and is now working on the supporting regulations and guidance documents.
The aim of the resources below gathered from both UK and Australian references, is to help organisations understand the need for greater collaboration in order to address any instances of Modern Slavery that may exist in the construction and infrastructure supply chains. Further Modern Slavery resources dedicated to the Asia Pacific region will be developed during the coming months.
We hope you find these resources useful but should you have any queries, suggestions, or need additional information please contact [email protected]
Modern Slavery
An introduction to Human Rights and Modern Slavery e-learning module
E-learning Module
Beginner
30 minutes
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery in Australian property, construction and infrastructure supply chains
Web link
Beginner
10 minutes
Modern Slavery
Transparency in Supply Chains – A Practical Guide
Document / Presentation
Intermediate
60 minutes
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery in Australia: the issue, the legislation and what to do about it
Document / Presentation
Beginner
15 minutes
Modern Slavery
The Global Slavery Index 2018 Findings
Document / Presentation
Beginner
15 minutes
Modern Slavery
The Bali Process Government & Business Forum 2018 Quick Guide to Writing a Modern Slavery Statement
Document / Presentation
Beginner
15 minutes
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery in the Asia Pacific Region 2018
Document / Presentation
Beginner
30 minutes
Modern Slavery
The Parliament of Australia’s Inquiry into establishing a Modern Slavery Act in Australia
Web link
Intermediate
20 minutes
Modern Slavery
Anti-Slavery Australia – Working to abolish slavery
Web link
Beginner
30 minutes
Modern Slavery
The Slavery Footprint: How many slaves work for you?
Web link
Beginner
30 minutes
Modern Slavery
Tackling Modern Slavery in Supply Chains – CIPS
Document / Presentation
Beginner
60 minutes
Modern Slavery
Forced Labour, Human Trafficking and the FTSE 100
Document / Presentation
Intermediate
90 minutes
Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery and Australian Infrastructure – Presentation slides
Document / Presentation
Beginner
30 minutes
Modern Slavery
Understanding Remediation
Web link
This document outlines the components of forced labour remediation and the potential pathways for
responding to cases, and highlights considerations for remediation strategies based on the current findings
from Kenya, Guatemala and India.
Advanced
30 minutes
Local community and economy, Modern Slavery
Heads Up – developed by Beyond Blue
Web link
Intermediate
30 minutes