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Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner)

Current status

This bill became law on Jun 11th, 2024.

Policy area

Law, justice & rights

What does this bill do?

Australia gets an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to lead national work on modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..

Why was it introduced?

Modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. remained hidden in Australia, left many victims undetected, and businesses and survivors lacked an independent national body to help address risks and support action. This bill creates an independent Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to guide businesses, share information for victims and survivors, and strengthen compliance and supply chain transparency.

Broader context

Australia already had the Modern Slavery Act 2018The existing law this bill amends; it already required some large entities to report on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains., but modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. was still described in Parliament as hidden in plain sight, leaving victims undetected and businesses needing clearer national guidance on risks in their operations and supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company.. The bill responded by creating an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to drive national action, publish priorities and help connect victims and survivors with information. Parliament passed it in May 2024, and Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. in June 2024 made it an Act, with commencement to occur by proclamationThe formal government notice that can start the Act on a set date instead of immediately. or the 12-month fallback.

Key criticism

The main criticism was that the bill created a commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. with too little power, too narrow a role and no ability to investigate complaints or drive stronger enforcement on its own. That concern came mostly from conditional supporters and crossbenchers seeking stronger safeguards, powers and resourcing, while early Coalition scrutiny also questioned whether the funding was the best use of money.

Who supported it?

Hon Mark Dreyfus KC, MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.

Introduced in House 30 Nov 2023
Passed House 08 Feb 2024
Passed Senate 16 May 2024
Became law 11 June 2024

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 11 June 2024

Final passage

Passed without a counted vote

3 recorded amendment or procedural votes were found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.

Passage speed

194 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. Australia gets an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to lead national work on modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..

  2. The Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. will help businesses in Australia tackle modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. risks in their operations and supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company..

  3. Victims of modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. will get public guidance about government and community services, but the Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. cannot investigate individual complaints.

  4. CommonwealthThe Australian national government and its agencies, which the bill requires to help the Commissioner in some circumstances. agencies must usually give relevant information to the Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. when asked, as long as it is reasonably practicable.

  5. The Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. must keep a public strategic planThe public plan the Commissioner must keep in place to show the office’s priorities and goals. in place so people can see the office’s priorities and goals.

Show source excerpts
  1. There is to be an Australian Anti‑Slavery Commissioner.
    Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 final Act text
  2. (b) to support Australian entities and entities carrying on business in Australia to address risks of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains, and in the operations and supply chains of entities they own or control;
    Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 final Act text
  3. (d) to support victims of modern slavery by providing information in relation to government and non‑government resources, programs and services, including by developing and maintaining guidance material and making such material publicly available;
    Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 final Act text
  4. (3) The agency must, so far as is reasonably practicable, comply with the request.
    Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 final Act text
  5. (ii) a strategic plan is in force at all times after the first strategic plan comes into force.
    Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Act 2024 final Act text

Context

Broader context for this bill

Australia already had the Modern Slavery Act 2018The existing law this bill amends; it already required some large entities to report on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains., but modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. was still described in Parliament as hidden in plain sight, leaving victims undetected and businesses needing clearer national guidance on risks in their operations and supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company.. The bill responded by creating an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to drive national action, publish priorities and help connect victims and survivors with information. Parliament passed it in May 2024, and Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. in June 2024 made it an Act, with commencement to occur by proclamationThe formal government notice that can start the Act on a set date instead of immediately. or the 12-month fallback.

  1. 2018

    Australia puts a modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. reporting law in place

    The Modern SlaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. Amendment Bill was framed as an amendment to the existing Modern Slavery Act 2018The existing law this bill amends; it already required some large entities to report on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains. rather than a standalone new regime.

    Australian Parliament House ↗
  2. 30 Nov 2023

    Government introduces a bill to create an Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services.

    The Attorney-GeneralThe minister responsible for this bill and the portfolio that houses the new office. introduced the bill, saying modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. is a grave human rights abuse and proposing an independent statutory office within his portfolio.

    Hansard ↗
  3. 07 Feb 2024

    Parliament hears that modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. remains hidden in Australia and supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company.

    Speakers backing the bill argued that modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. was still occurring in Australia and overseas supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company., with migrants, temporary visa holders and students especially vulnerable.

    Hansard ↗
  4. 28 May 2024

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses agreed on the same text, clearing the way for the new commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. role to become law.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  5. 11 June 2024

    Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. makes the commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. Act law

    Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act, but the ActThe existing law this bill amends; it already required some large entities to report on modern slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.’s commencement clause left the substantive start date to proclamationThe formal government notice that can start the Act on a set date instead of immediately. or the 12-month fallback.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 30 Nov 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 30 Nov 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (28/02/2024) review 07 Dec 2023

Referred to Committee (07/12/2023): Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (28/02/2024)

Referred to committee

APH bill page notes
Second reading debate 06 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Sent to Federation Chamber for debate 06 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Referred to Federation Chamber

Second reading debate 07 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed 07 Feb 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Consideration in detail 07 Feb 2024

The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.

Consideration in detail debate

Returned from Federation Chamber 08 Feb 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Reported from Federation Chamber

House third reading agreed 08 Feb 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 08 Feb 2024

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 08 Feb 2024

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 14 May 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 16 May 2024

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed 16 May 2024

The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

Senate agreed to amendment packages 16 May 2024

The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.

Third reading agreed to :

House agreed to Senate amendments 28 May 2024

The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.

Consideration of Senate message

Passed both houses 28 May 2024

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 11 June 2024

The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was that the bill created a commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. with too little power, too narrow a role and no ability to investigate complaints or drive stronger enforcement on its own. That concern came mostly from conditional supporters and crossbenchers seeking stronger safeguards, powers and resourcing, while early Coalition scrutiny also questioned whether the funding was the best use of money.

No party represented in the debate opposed the bill outright, but several speakers wanted it strengthened.

Commissioner seen as too weak

Several speakers argued the office was too limited because it focused heavily on education, guidance and coordination without stronger oversight, enforcement or complaint-handling powers. Critics worried that, without broader authority and related reforms, the commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. would struggle to force meaningful change.

Raised by Zali Steggall, Kate Chaney, Rebekha Sharkie and Tony Sheldon Source ↗

Questions over resourcing and value for money

Early scrutiny from the Coalition and Nationals argued the bill needed closer examination because it was not yet clear whether creating a new commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. was the best use of about $8 million. They suggested the money might be better directed to law enforcement or more practical support for businesses tackling supply-chain risks.

Raised by Jason Wood and Darren Chester Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.

Passed

House passed the bill

House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

08 Feb 2024

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Passed

Senate passed the bill

Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.

16 May 2024

Passed on the voices

In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.

Amendments at a glance

Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.

House

Carried

House accepted all Senate amendments

The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Senate

Defeated

Call for stronger anti-slavery funding

Aye 14 No 32

Defeated 14 to 32. Support came from Greens and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, UAP, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

16 May 2024

It was a second-reading position vote, so the chamber was being asked whether to attach that call for stronger resourcing to the bill's passage rather than change the bill text itself.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 19
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 0 / 6
Liberal Party 0 / 5
Independent 2 / 1
One Nation 1 / 0
UAP 0 / 1
Defeated

Call for prison labour inquiry

Aye 12 No 33

Defeated 12 to 33. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, One Nation, UAP, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

16 May 2024

This was another second-reading statement vote, so it tested whether the chamber would attach that criticism and call for further action to the bill's second-reading motion.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 19
Greens 11 / 0
Unknown 0 / 6
Liberal Party 0 / 5
Independent 1 / 1
One Nation 0 / 1
UAP 0 / 1
Defeated

Add lived experience input and reporting powers

Aye 13 No 36

Defeated 13 to 36. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

16 May 2024

The package would have broadened the CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services.'s role beyond the core government bill by adding a formal lived-experience body and extra reporting and risk-monitoring powers, but the division defeated those changes.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 16
Greens 11 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 8
Unknown 0 / 6
Independent 2 / 1
Nationals 0 / 3
One Nation 0 / 1
UAP 0 / 1
Carried

Carry six government commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. amendments

The Senate agreed on voices to six government amendments to the Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. bill.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Carried

Carry government disclosure amendments

The Senate agreed on voices to government amendments, including changes to information-disclosure provisions for the Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services.. This was separate from the defeated Greens lived-experience and special-reporting package.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Carried

Tie functions to international agreements

The Senate agreed to Cash Michaelia's proposal on voices, covering this bill text amendment would limit one CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. function to Australia’s international agreements and broaden the nomination requirements for the role.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

Carried

Tie functions to international agreements

The Senate agreed to Cash Michaelia's proposal on voices, covering this bill text amendment would limit one CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. function to Australia’s international agreements and broaden the nomination requirements for the role.

Carried on voices

The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.

Hansard record ↗

These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.

The parliamentary record also shows 6 Government amendments agreed without a counted division.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Mark Dreyfus

Australian Labor Party • MP 30 Nov 2023

Dreyfus supports the bill and presents it as a necessary, landmark step to strengthen Australia’s response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. by creating an independent commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services..

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

David Shoebridge

Australian Greens • Senator 16 May 2024

Shoebridge says the Greens will support the bill, but only to improve it, because he считает it falls well short on the commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services.’s independence, funding, and enforcement powers.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Mixed

Kate Chaney

Independent • MP 07 Feb 2024

Chaney says she will support the bill to appoint an Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services., but only as a step in the right direction and not enough on its own.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Shayne Neumann

Australian Labor Party • MP 07 Feb 2024

Shayne Neumann says Labor supports the bill and wants it passed because it fulfils an election commitment to create an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. and strengthen the response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

14 speakers · 15 contributions · 14 support

  1. Shayne Neumann ★ Shayne Neumann says Labor supports the bill and wants it passed because it fulfils an election commitment to create an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. and strengthen the response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..
    “This bill builds on our election commitments, on the outstanding work of victims and survivors, civil society and industry stakeholders who advocate for this important reform. We're pleased to fulfil our election commitment. We're glad those opposite have finally seen sense. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Luke Gosling Gosling strongly supports the bill, saying it delivers a key reform by creating an independent Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to help victims, improve compliance, and push businesses to address slavery risks in supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company..
    “Australia is not free of modern slavery. It's a practice that can affect any country, and we shouldn't think of modern slavery as something that happens out there beyond our borders in a fallen world outside our coast. It's nefarious effects reverberate across Australian society.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Deborah O'Neill O'Neill strongly supports the bill, saying Australia must act against modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. and strengthen its response to exploitation hidden in global supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company..
    “That's really why the bill that's been put forward is of vital importance. It's essential that Australia rises to the challenge that is before us and that we stand up for the rights to which we are committed.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Graham Perrett Graham Perrett supports the bill, saying it delivers Labor's commitment to create an independent Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. as part of a stronger national response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..
    “The Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 delivers on Labor's election commitment to add a new, independent pillar to Australia's comprehensive response to modern slavery. The bill before the chamber amends the Modern Slavery Act to establish the core functions of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner, including engaging with and supporting victims and survivors of modern slavery and supporting business to address risks of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains, where sometimes businesses can be duped.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Catryna Bilyk Bilyk supports the bill and says an independent anti-slavery commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. will strengthen Australia’s response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..
    “By further strengthening Australia's response to modern slavery, this bill demonstrates Australia's heightened commitment to upholding the absolute right to freedom from slavery and forced labour and the right to protection against exploitation, violence and abuse. The Albanese Labor government remains firmly committed to tackling modern slavery.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  6. Tony Sheldon 2 contributions Sheldon supports the bill and says the new Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. is an important step forward.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Tony Sheldon on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • Senator • 14 May 2024

    Sheldon supports the bill and says Labor wants a tougher response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking., arguing the existing law has been too weak and unenforced. He backs stronger action because the current framework has not driven the change it was meant to achieve.

    “Modern slavery is a serious issue that, for far too long, has not had a suitably serious response. Labor has called for a tough modern slavery act since 2017. When the Turnbull government took up our policy and introduced the Modern Slavery Act a year later, it was watered down to let businesses profiting from slavery off the hook.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

    Sheldon supports the bill and says the new Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. is an important step forward. He argues it is still not enough on its own because the existing Modern SlaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. Act has failed and the commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. should have stronger enforcement powers.

    “We've been calling for an antislavery commissioner since 2017, so this is an important step forward. It should be viewed in the context of the work that is being done, and is ongoing, in the review of the act and in migration and workplace laws more generally. It's also clear that more needs to be done. As a broad range of groups have noted, the existing Modern Slavery Act has failed.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  7. Louise Miller-Frost Miller-Frost supports the bill and says it is another step toward eliminating modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. in Australia.
    “This bill is another step forward in eliminating modern slavery in our country. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  8. Gordon Reid Reid supports the bill and says it will deliver Labor's commitment to combat modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. by creating an independent Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services..
    “Part of how we combat this problem is through this bill, the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023, with the establishment of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  9. Helen Polley Helen Polley supports the bill and urges the Senate to pass it so the first Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. can be appointed.
    “It's an incredibly important bill, and I urge those around the chamber to support this bill so we can move forward and get the first appointment of the new Anti-Slavery Commissioner.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  10. Mark Dreyfus ★ Dreyfus supports the bill and presents it as a necessary, landmark step to strengthen Australia’s response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. by creating an independent commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services..
    “I am proud to introduce this bill, which marks a necessary and critical next step in our fight against modern slavery.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 30 Nov 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  11. Peter Khalil Khalil supports the bill, saying it delivers Labor’s commitment to create the first CommonwealthThe Australian national government and its agencies, which the bill requires to help the Commissioner in some circumstances. Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. and will strengthen support for victims, improve compliance, and help businesses address supply-chain risks.
    “Presently, this bill represents a significant step forward in the fight against modern slavery. By establishing a Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner with comprehensive functions, the legislation underscores our commitment to eradicating this heinous crime, fostering collaboration and safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of the most vulnerable among us. That's what a Labor government does. A strong Labor government will always stand against modern slavery and strive for a more just and equitable society. This bill establishing a commissioner is a significant and important commitment to this end.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  12. Jenny McAllister McAllister supports the bill and presents it as a necessary, landmark reform that will create an independent Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services..
    “I am proud to introduce this Bill, which marks a necessary and critical next step in our global fight against modern slavery.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 08 Feb 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  13. Glenn Sterle Sterle supports the bill and says it delivers an important new Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. as part of Labor's response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..
    “That's why I urge the commissioner to work with the Fair Work Ombudsman and, of course, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority to combat the scourge of modern slavery at our ports and in Australian waters. I commend this bill to the Senate.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  14. Anthony Chisholm Chisholm supports the bill and says it will establish Australia’s first CommonwealthThe Australian national government and its agencies, which the bill requires to help the Commissioner in some circumstances. Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. to strengthen the response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking..
    “The government accepts the committee's recommendations 1 to 4 and welcomes the committee's fifth recommendation: that the bill be passed, subject to the implementation of the recommendations.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

5 speakers · 3 support · 2 mixed

  1. Linda Reynolds Reynolds supports the bill and says it is overdue because businesses now understand modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. risks and need stronger tools to address them.
    “There were compromises that were made then, including the establishment of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner. But, now that businesses understand what modern slavery is, they understand their reporting requirements and they understand the prevalence of slavery throughout their global supply chains, I think this is a bill whose time has come.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

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  2. Paul Scarr Scarr supports the bill and says the government’s amendments improve it, especially the changes to the definition of sensitive information and the provisions putting victims-survivors at the centre of the commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services.’s work.
    “I am very pleased that the government has adopted amendments to this legislation. I genuinely believe it improves the legislation and I commend the government for introducing amendments to the legislation. I will speak in relation to one of those amendments shortly.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

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  3. Michaelia Cash Cash says the coalition will support the bill and commend it to the Senate, but argues it is only one part of the response to modern slaveryThe range of exploitative practices covered by the page, including slavery, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and trafficking. and does not address overseas abuses on its own.
    “Again, the coalition will continue to argue for an effective, multipronged and coordinated response to modern slavery, and I commend the bill to the Senate.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 14 May 2024

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  4. Jason Wood Jason Wood says the opposition is not rejecting the bill, but wants it sent to committee for closer scrutiny because he is unsure the proposed commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. is the best use of the $8 million and wants more detail on how the role would work.
    “I speak on the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023. The bill's primary intention is to establish an antislavery commissioner as a statutory appointment under the Attorney-General's portfolio. I acknowledge that this was a commitment from the Labor Party prior to the election. The cost over the forward estimates is $8 million. I do have a concern: is it the best way to spend the funding? I was previously in the role of assistant minister for home affairs. On our side, we think it may be necessary to take this to committee and have a further look at it. Maybe the minister can explain a bit more. I'm trying to work out whether the role of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner is more to look at ensuring that the modern slavery statements from companies earning more than $100 million are in some way enforced. Under the previous government, it was worked through with the business community not to name and shame those companies who don't meet the standard of releasing a statement. But we actually had that power. I remember at one stage the Department of Home Affairs did want us to release that. I'm very interested to hear from the minister, the Attorney-General, about how the role of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner would work, considering, too, that you have grants going to good community groups. It's a lot of money, $8 million, so I'd be very interested to see how that's going to be spent.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 07 Feb 2024

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  5. Darren Chester Darren Chester says the Nationals are not yet committing to the bill and will decide after the Senate committee report, because they want to test whether an Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. is the best use of resources.
    “This bill has been referred to a Senate committee for inquiry, and we expect to see its report in the coming weeks. We will finalise our position on the bill following that report. One of the things we hope the committee looks at is whether this bill provides for the most appropriate use of resources. Establishing the commissioner will come at a cost of around $8 million over the forward estimates and around $2 million per year ongoing. Could these funds be better spent supporting the other parts of our National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery? For example, would we be better off investing that money to improve the investigative capacity of our law enforcement agencies? Would we see better results if we instead invested in practical measures to support businesses with complex international supply chains?”

    National Party • MP • 06 Feb 2024

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Greens

1 speaker · 1 support

  1. David Shoebridge ★ Shoebridge says the Greens will support the bill, but only to improve it, because he считает it falls well short on the commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services.’s independence, funding, and enforcement powers.
    “I rise on behalf of the Greens to indicate we will be supporting the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023, but, in doing so, we seek to amend and improve it in order to rise to the challenge that is modern slavery. I want to acknowledge the comments of previous speakers, and I particularly want to acknowledge the significant work of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee—the chair, deputy chair Senator Scarr and other members of that committee—in discussing with stakeholders the necessary improvements to the bill and looking at the significant gaps in the legislation as proposed, because the question that this bill and the inquiry that we had were meant to answer was this: what would it take to make laws that actually stop Australia and Australians participating in modern slavery, and not just in Australia but in increasingly global supply chains?”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 16 May 2024

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One Nation

1 speaker · 1 support

  1. Malcolm Roberts Roberts says One Nation will support the bill, but he argues it does not go far enough because it relies too much on reporting and should move to stronger sanctions and penalties for businesses using slave labour in supply chainsThe businesses, suppliers and subcontractors behind a product or service, where hidden labour abuse can occur outside the main company..
    “One Nation will support this bill, and, as a servant of the people of Queensland, I will continue to pursue this issue.”

    Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party • Senator • 16 May 2024

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Minor parties and independents

4 speakers · 2 support · 2 mixed

  1. Kate Chaney ★ Chaney says she will support the bill to appoint an Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services., but only as a step in the right direction and not enough on its own.
    “I welcome the appointment of the Anti-Slavery Commissioner and I will support this bill because it's a step in the right direction, but I do so with some reservation. It feels distinctly like the government is putting the cart before the horse.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Feb 2024

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  2. Zali Steggall Steggall supports the bill and wants the Australian Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. established, but says the office is too limited and should be strengthened over time.
    “I rise to speak on and support the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023. I'd like to start by thanking Dr David Cooke who worked tirelessly to get the Modern Slavery Act in the first place and recognises this is a very big problem.”

    Independent • MP • 07 Feb 2024

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  3. Lidia Thorpe Thorpe argues the bill does not go far enough unless it is strengthened so the Anti-Slavery CommissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. can refer prison labour cases to the Fair Work Commission and prisoners are paid at least the minimum wage.
    “So what can we do about it? First, we need truth-telling—to talk about it more. We need to demand that companies and governments be transparent about their use of prison labour. Most importantly, we need to remember that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and with respect no matter their circumstances. I am asking that the government urgently refer the prison industry and the corporations known to use prison labour to the Fair Work Commission. This is what my amendment facilitates—that the Anti-Slavery Commissioner has the power to directly refer matters to the Fair Work Commission—and it demands that those who are working in prison are at the very least paid the minimum wage. I also call on the government to release the exact numbers and names of companies that employ prison labour in Australia, information which is currently unknown as requests for the data have been repeatedly denied by your agencies. This is the very least your government can do, and I foreshadow moving my second reading amendment on sheet 2613.”

    Independent • Senator • 16 May 2024

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  4. Rebekha Sharkie Sharkie supports the bill and wants it to pass, but says it needs amendments so the new commissionerThe new independent office created by this bill to coordinate Australia’s response to modern slavery, support businesses, and help direct victims to services. is properly resourced, independent and able to do more than education and awareness work.
    “I thank the Attorney-General's office for its willingness to consider the amendments that I will be putting forward in the consideration and detail stage. However, these amendments really can't wait. The commissioner should be fit for purpose from the start rather than aspiring to make further changes in the future when we know that we can do those changes now. I commend this bill to the House and look forward to working with the government and all members to improve upon the role, resourcing and independence of the commissioner so they can best fight modern slavery.”

    Centre Alliance • MP • 07 Feb 2024

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