Many in the Australian food industry had more than acceptable food safety programs in place before the pandemic, yet still faced unprecedented challenges as it unfolded. Supply chains and business continuity were most significantly impacted, and a new level of risk management evolved, above and beyond any seen previously. Across the industry cleaning, hygiene, and sanitation practices have been transformed and a much sharper focus has developed around sustainability.

As we navigate the dynamic terrain of social compliance in Australia and New Zealand, we find a landscape in rapid evolution. With the growing demand for standardised ESG measures, increased regulatory scrutiny worldwide, and a surge in consumer demand for ethically sourced products, businesses are being pushed towards a new era of transparency and accountability.

The number of people impacted by modern slavery increases dramatically from year to year, with women and children still disproportionately the most vulnerable. According to the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage report, produced in collaboration between the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration, the latest global estimates indicate that 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021.