Modern Slavery Solutions
Scalable end-to-end solutions to improve modern slavery stance, and manage supplier compliance.
The Modern Slavery Flywheel
To effectively address Modern Slavery risks, organisations have to adopt a flywheel approach to continually improve and minimise operational disruption.
- Embed responsible business conduct into polities and management systems;
- Identify and assess adverse impacts in operations, supply chains and business relationships;
- Cease, prevent or mitigate adverse impacts;
- Track implementation and results;
- Communicate how impacts are addressed;
- Provide for or cooperate in remediation when appropriate.
Why Partner With Intertek SAI Global On Your
Modern Slavery Journey
Develop a Holistic Modern Slavery Framework
Centralise Supplier Compliance and Onboarding
Access our International Network of Auditors and Experts
Modern Slavery In Australia
Now Available! Human Rights Due Diligence Advisory Group Workshop
Frequently Asked Questions
The Australian Government, supported by the Anti-Slavery Commissioner, has completed a public consultation (21 July – 1 September 2025) on options to strengthen the Modern Slavery Act. This follows the Government’s December 2024 response to the 2023 independent review.
The Attorney-General’s Department is running the process, with active input from the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans.
What are the key changes being considered?
The consultation paper covered:
- Introducing penalties for non-compliance with reporting requirements
- Stronger enforcement and regulatory powers
- Clarifying and strengthening reporting criteria
- Possible introduction of human rights due diligence obligations in the future.
There is no fixed date yet. The consultation period closed on 1 September 2025. The government will now review submissions, draft a Bill, and introduce amendments to Parliament. The earliest practical start would be late 2025 or 2026, but most reforms will likely apply from the 2026–27 reporting year, with statements due in 2027–28, to allow entities time to adjust.
Penalties are expected to be an early focus of reform, but commencement dates will depend on the legislative timetable. Entities should prepare now for stronger enforcement.
Industries with complex global supply chains, such as retail, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and construction, face higher risks.
Not yet but reporting entities under the Modern Slavery Act are strongly encouraged to apply Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD), and mandatory requirements are being considered.
By proactively identifying supply chain risks and engaging with suppliers, businesses can prevent or mitigate forced labour, trafficking, and exploitation.
Traditional audits focus on compliance; Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) takes a proactive, risk-based approach to preventing harm and ensuring long-term positive outcomes.
Yes. While smaller businesses may have fewer resources, they can scale Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD) proportionally – starting with high-risk areas and gradually building capacity.
Update: Recommendations to update the Modern Slavery Act 2018
On 25 May 2023, the Australian Government tabled a report on the statutory review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, which reviewed the first 3 years of the Act’s operation. The review was conducted and was led by Professor John McMillan, AO.
- introducing penalties for non-compliance with statutory reporting requirements
- lowering the reporting threshold from $100 million to $50 million
- requiring entities to report on modern slavery incidents or risks
- amending the Act to require entities have a due diligence system in place
- strengthening the administration of the Act through proposed legislative amendments and expanded administrative guidance
- proposing functions for the federal Anti-Slavery Commissioner in relation to the Act.
Reach out to discuss if these proposed changes impact your business or discuss your Social Compliance audit!