In 2018 the government introduced the Modern Slavery Bill requiring large companies to report how they ensure that their supply chains are free of slave labour. The requirement for transparency and accountability was intended as the start of a “race to the top” which would drive reform. But the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors, recently found most companies are disclosing only the minimum and not wishing to reveal more than their key peers. In another sign on waning confidence in the bill, a new bill proposed by South Australian independent senator Rex Patrick, the Customs Amendment (Banning Goods Produced By Forced Labour) Bill 2021 would amend federal customs regulations to prohibit the import of any goods made using forced labour.

READ MORE