Consultation to strengthen Australia’s modern slavery framework
Attorney-General’s portfolio The Albanese Government has opened public consultation today on reforms to strengthen Australia's world-leading legislative response to modern slavery in supply chains. Modern slavery is an abhorrent crime that causes significant harm to individuals and communities. It has no place in modern supply chains.
The Government is committed to ensuring Australia's legislative framework remains effective in identifying, preventing, and responding to these risks. The consultation paper seeks feedback on the design of the criminal 'failure to prevent' modern slavery offence that would apply to larger companies with annual consolidated revenue above $100 million, with a defence available if companies have taken reasonable steps to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains.
The consultation also seeks views on alternative enforcement options, including considering a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) scheme and remedies for victims. These reforms aim to combat forced labour by addressing risks at their source, including in global supply chains that contribute to goods imported into Australia. Stakeholder feedback will help ensure the legislation is designed in a way that is proportionate and fit-for-purpose in addressing modern slavery risks while supporting business compliance.
All members of the public are invited to participate in the consultation by visiting the Attorney-General's Department Consultation hub website The consultation will close on Friday, 25 September 2026. Quotes attributable to the Attorney-General, Hon Michelle Rowland MP: "These reforms will strengthen efforts to address modern slavery in supply chains to ensure Australians are confident the products that they buy are not tainted with modern slavery.
"Modern slavery is an abhorrent practice, and the Albanese Government is committed to stamping it out. "These reforms will strengthen Australia's robust legislative framework to create incentives for businesses to implement effective prevention measures, without prescriptive compliance obligations. "We have opened consultations to hear from businesses, experts and the community about the design and implementation of these measures to protect vulnerable people from modern slavery practices in supply chains."