b'SPOTLIGHT ON An AwakeningAccording to the latest figures from the Global Modern Slavery Index an estimated 40.3 million men, women, and children were victims of Leading national governments have accepted that modern slavery ismodern slavery on any given day in 2016. Of these, 24.9 million a unplanned consequence of the operations and supply chains ofpeople were in forced labour and 15.4 million people were living in a many businesses. forced marriage. Women and girls are vastly over-represented, making up 71 percent of victims. In the past five years, 89 million The international community has committed to Target 8.7 from thepeople experienced some form of modern slavery for periods of time UN Sustainable Development Goals to end modern slavery by 2030.and collectively approximately US$150 billion per year is generated in The 2018 EY Investor Survey found that human rights practices andthe global private economy from forced labour. Twenty-five million supply chain risks were two areas with the most substantial annualpeople or sixty two percent of all people enslaved globally are in the increase in investor attention.Asia-Pacific Region. The Australian Government estimates there were Ineffective regulation from the past is being replaced with a greater1,567 modern slavery victims in Australia between 2015 and 2017.commitment from regulators and modern slavery reporting is now mandatory in Australia for larger organisations.Australias Path to Regulation Most forms of modern slavery and exploitation are already illegal in What is Modern Slaverymost jurisdictions, and in Australia it has been covered under the The term modern slavery is used to describe situations whereCommonwealth Criminal Code. coercion, threats or deception are used to exploit victims andSince 2010, new more specific regulations have been introduced in undermine or deprive them of their freedom.California, France, Italy, the EU and the UK. Modern slavery includes the crimes of human trafficking, slavery andIn February 2017, the Australian government commenced an enquiry slavery like practices, such as forced labour, the sale and exploitationinto establishing a Modern Slavery Act to equip and enable the of children, and bonded labour. The most common form of modernbusiness community to respond effectively to modern slavery and slavery in corporate supply chains is bonded or indentured labourdevelop and maintain responsible and transparent supply chains. that occurs through the exploitation of vulnerable migrants who areAround 200 submissions from corporations and organisations were subject to debts from labour recruitment fees.received and considered prior to the release of an interim report.LEARN MORE: Australias Modern Slavery ActWHERE DOES MODERN SLAVERY FIT?Modern slavery happens at the most extreme end of a spectrum that ranges Australias new Modern Slavery Act 2018 was passed by parliament from decent work to serious criminal exploitation.on 29 November 2018 andcame into effect on 1 January 2019. The MODERN SLAVERY new legislation consolidates Australian law within a Modern Slavery Worker cannot refuse or cease work because of coercion, threats or deception. Act and introduces new provisions for corporate disclosures and Worker may also be deprived of personal freedom. reporting, requiring public disclosure within six months after the end DANGEROUS OR SUBSTANDARD WORKING CONDITIONS of each organisations financial reporting period. Worker can refuse or cease work but doing so may lead to detriment.Worker is not fairly paid and does not receive some or all entitlements.Worker may be required to work excessive hours. Requirements of the legislation Workplace is unsafe.DECENT WORK The Modern Slavery Act requires mandatory disclosure from Workers rights respected. organisations that carry out business in Australia with revenues over Worker free to refuse or cease work. AUD$100m. The law is estimated to impact around 3,000 entities, Worker paid fairly (at least the minimum wage).Workplace is safe. including many law firms.Modern slavery is only used to describe serious exploitation. Included entities need to prepare annual Modern Slavery Statements It does not include practices like substandard working conditions oraddressing the modern slavery risks identified in their operations and underpayment of workers. supply chains and the steps taken to identify, mitigate and remedy the risks or incidents. The first reports are due at the end of each reporting entitys first full financial year after January 1, 2019. For most Australian law firms, this means the end of June 2020.__________ This Spotlight includes information provided by AusLSAs Partner - EY'