Law reform is needed to ensure the MSA is effective

Both survey and focus group participants showed a strong appetite for reform of the MSA. The establishment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner received the strongest support as a reform measure, followed by harmonisation with international standards (such as the UNGPs). The next highest support was for mandatory human rights due diligence, followed by support for a range of penalties.

‘Australia should have a Commonwealth Anti-Slavery Commissioner to oversee the implementation and enforcement of the Modern Slavery Act’

‘It would be easier to comply with the Australian Modern Slavery Act if it were harmonised with international standards (such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights)’

‘My company would be more likely to improve its response to modern slavery if it were required to undertake due diligence to identify, prevent and address modern slavery in its operations and supply chains’