Legal experts warn of tougher supply chain scrutiny with new anti-slavery commissioner
The appointment of Australia’s first anti-slavery commissioner signals increased regulatory scrutiny and possibly even penalties for businesses.
The government has begun its search for the country’s first anti-slavery commissioner, following recent updates to the Modern Slavery Act. While the role currently lacks investigatory and enforcement powers, lawyers speaking to Capital Brief said the appointment signals that increased regulatory scrutiny and penalties could be on the horizon.
One of the commissioner’s first tasks could involve imposing tougher diligence requirements and penalties related to modern slavery in supply chains, warning organisations that increased government scrutiny is coming.
When the new measures passed Parliament in May, Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said that the anti-slavery commissioner will “help business address the risk of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains”, as well as support victims, and raise community awareness. The government has committed $8 million over four years to fund this role.
It’s a similar role to that of New South Wales anti-slavery commissioner James Cockayne, who began his five-year term in 2022 and has focused on advocacy and education. According to the state-based watchdog, 40% of people in modern slavery in Australia are in NSW.
