Government consults on Modern Slavery Act reforms

Following on from the Government’s response to the Report of the statutory review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act (MSA), the Attorney-General’s Department has commenced public and targeted consultations on reforms to the MSA.

Scope of the consultations

The consultation will be progressed in two streams:

1. Stream A: Public consultation through its consultation paper, which presents options to enhance the transparency framework, including through refining, clarifying and expanding the existing mandatory criteria; simplify and improve reporting; and target non-compliance.
2. Stream B: Targeted consultations with relevant specialists on complex policy issues, including declarations of high-risk matters and obligations for due diligence systems.

Welcoming the Government’s plan for targeted consultations on due diligence, Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, highlighted the importance of laws shifting “beyond just reporting to requiring action by business” to drive real change on modern slavery.

How to contribute

The consultation closes Monday, 1 September. Submissions and expressions of interest for participation in targeted consultation workshops can be made here.

Future reforms

The consultations constitute Phase 1 of the Government’s phased approach to strengthening the MSA. Phases 2 and 3 will include legislative reforms and guidance and administrative changes, subject to outcomes from the consultation process and Government decisions.

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