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https://theconversation.com/australias-modern-slavery-law-is-woefully-inadequate-this-is-how-we-can-hold-companies-accountable-206605>
"A highly anticipated independent review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act has
found it has not brought “meaningful change” to the lives of people living in
conditions of modern slavery since its passage more than four years ago.
The final report makes 30 recommendations which, if implemented, would mean
thousands more businesses need to take stronger action to prevent the goods and
services they sell being made with slavery.
These findings come at a time when new global research on the prevalence of
modern slavery reflects the rapidly growing nature of the issue. It is
estimated that, on any given day in 2021, almost 50 million people worldwide
were victims of modern slavery. This is an increase of 10 million people from
research conducted in 2016.
Despite its name, Australia’s Modern Slavery Act doesn’t address the diverse
forms of exploitation that can constitute modern slavery. Instead, it aims to
combat labour exploitation in the private economy.
It does so by requiring companies and other entities with annual revenues
greater than A$100 million to identify how slave labour may be present in their
global operations and supply chains. Companies are also required to report on
actions taken to ensure they are slavery-free.
According to current government advice, modern slavery is now so prevalent,
there is a “high risk” it may be present in these companies’ operations and
supply chains.
However, of the more than 3,000 companies required to report, the review found
only a handful have identified incidents of modern slavery. None of these were
in Australia. And very few companies have taken steps to remedy the harm caused
by slavery when it has occurred or given workers specific protections."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
