Current perceptions on the problem of modern slavery in business

Abstract

AbstractAustralia is one of the latest countries to consider introduction of a Modern Slavery Act. An Inquiry by the Parliament of Australia has received nearly 200 submissions from a range of interested stakeholders. This paper classifies and then synthesizes the perceptions of these groups on the role of Australian business in addressing modern slavery issues raised by the Inquiry. Modern slavery in Australian business is seen to be a small tip of a large iceberg hidden in global supply chains. Although the vast majority support introduction of an Act in Australia issues arising include an ongoing lack of transparency for consumers, the relative powerlessness of domestic unions to engage, tensions between national and international standard setting for reporting, and how to engage all businesses not just multinational companies. A set of future research questions arising are developed in the hope of stimulating reduction in the insidious practices of modern slavery.