Australia’s democratic government and comparative wealth often lead to the assumption slavery does not exist in Australia. In truth, modern slavery is prevalent in Australia with 41,000 people estimated to be living in modern slavery in 2021 according to the 2023 Global Slavery Index.

Increasingly, countries around the world are introducing stricter legal compliance measures to eliminate modern slavery and Australia is no exception. Small businesses in particular are vulnerable to modern slavery. Recognising and preventing modern slavery in your operations and supply chains is essential to safeguard your business from legal, commercial and reputational damage and uphold ethical business practices.

Suppliers are also increasingly being asked to demonstrate how they are addressing modern slavery risks in tender and bid opportunities. Businesses that can confidently identify and manage the risk of modern slavery in their operations and supply chain are better positioned to win work and build long-term business relationships based on a strong reputation and track record as an ethical and credible business.

What is modern slavery?

It may not be what you think it is. The word ‘slavery’ might rouse images of sweatshops, or the trans-Atlantic slave trade of times long gone before human rights were recognised. Today, slavery can take many forms, and modern slavery is not always immediately obvious.

Modern slavery refers to several types of exploitation, often involving threats or coercion, that result in the loss of freedom and forcible control of a person for financial or personal gain. This can occur in many ways:

Forced labour, where a person is forced to work against their will, often under threat of punishment. This can include physical violence, withholding essential needs like accommodation, food or water, or weaponising a person’s vulnerability such as their visa status.

Servitude, where a person provides services for no reward, and their freedom is significantly restricted by, for example, being unable to leave their place of work.

Domestic servitude is where a person performs duties such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, or providing care often within a private residence. The person may be prevented from leaving the house, have their identity documents confiscated, and may be prevented from contacting family or networks. The person may be paid low or no wages or might be unfairly compensated through other means such as accommodation and food.

Slavery, where someone exercises powers of ownership over a person. This can include a person being sold or transferred under a contract or agreement.

Deceptive recruitment, where a person is hired for labour or service on a false pretence, and once employed, the job scenario is significantly different (including lower pay or altered job responsibilities). This can include recruiters targeting vulnerable people who may not understand the pay or conditions offered are not legal. Victims may be coerced, threatened or prevented from leaving the job using methods such as by having their identity documents confiscated.

Debt bondage, where a person is forced to work to repay a debt and becomes trapped when exploitative conditions make it impossible to repay the debt. The debt or the length of time required to pay off the debt may not be defined, and the value of the person’s labour may not be enough to reduce or clear the debt. Debt bondage can result in families and children working to pay the debt and leave victims with no resources to escape the situation.

Human trafficking, which involves the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of a person by force or deception, for the purpose of labour, sexual exploitation or activities that benefit others. Often victims are tricked by offers of employment, education, marriage, or other promises and are controlled through the use or threat of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, blackmail or by having their identity documents such as their passport withheld.

Child labour, involving situations where children are exploited to carry out hazardous work, work in a dangerous environment, perform work that threatens their health or safety, sexual exploitation, drug trafficking or production, or other criminal activity. Child labour can occur when a child is subject to any form of modern slavery.

Forced marriage, where a person does not freely or fully consent to a marriage and coercion or threats are used to force them to marry, or the victim does not understand the effect of marriage due to age or capacity. Forced marriage may be used to control the victim through slavery-like conditions or be used for the purposes of migration eligibility such as for a visa. Victims may be tricked or pressured into the marriage through blackmail, emotional abuse, or promises of economic security. Victims may be threatened with physical or sexual violence or having their freedom removed unless they agree to marry.

How do I identify and prevent modern slavery risks to my business?

Modern slavery is a crime in Australia, with serious legal, commercial and reputational risks, and can damage any business’ credibility. Business Chamber Queensland can help your business identify risks, manage compliance and demonstrate you are addressing modern slavery to maintain supply and procurement opportunities through:

• Policy development and implementation: our Modern Slavery Policy Template has been developed specifically with small and medium businesses in mind. This template is ready for tailoring to your business, providing guidance on how you can address modern slavery risks and demonstrate the steps you are taking to your customers and clients.
• Training and advisory support: our internal sustainability experts can assist your business with training and advice to help your workforce understand how to recognise modern slavery, engage with your supply chain to address risks, and ensure your customer and client requirements with respect to modern slavery risks are managed.
• In addition, our consultancy services can assist you with reporting on modern slavery risks within your operation and supply chains.