Modern Slavery Act 2018: Draft Guidance for Reporting Entities
The submissions to the Department of Home Affairs (the Department) regarding its Modern Slavery Act 2018: Draft guidance for reporting entities (Draft Guidance) was prepared by the Law Council.
The Law Council is grateful for the assistance of its Business and Human Rights Committee, the Law Society of New South Wales and the New South Wales Bar Association in the preparation of this submission.
The Law Council notes that the Chair and individual members of the Law Council’s Business and Human Rights Committee contributed directly to the development of the Draft Guidance in their capacity as members of the Department’s expert advisory group. The Law Council, guided by its Committee, welcomes the Draft Guidance and generally supports its current form.
The Law Council considers the Draft Guidance to be a comprehensive document and is satisfied that the Department has allowed sufficient time for consultation from interested stakeholders. The final guidance will undoubtedly provide a useful practical resource to reporting entities and legal practitioners advising reporting entities about compliance with the national Modern Slavery Reporting Requirement (Reporting Requirement) under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (the Act).
Under the Reporting Requirement, certain large entities must publish annual statements (Modern Slavery Statements). Through providing guidance and adequate support to reporting entities, the Department can assist in creating a culture of compliance with Modern Slavery obligations. In this submission, the Law Council wishes to raise some additional comments and suggestions, with the aim of enhancing the Draft Guidance.
You can read the full submission below.