The Forrest Group has raised concerns about the presence of forced labour and modern slavery in Australian supply chains which could include more than $25 billion of imports.
The group, led by billionaire Andrew Forrest, has called for urgent action to address this issue and ensure ethical practices in the renewable energy sector.
Last week, Walk Free, part of the Forrest Group, released a report warning renewable energy products, such as solar, are susceptible to modern slavery risks, particularly those made in China.
Australia imports approximately $2 billion of solar panels each year.
Solar panels, a vital component of the clean energy revolution, have seen a surge in demand worldwide, with the industry estimated to be worth billions of dollars.
However, this growth has also brought potential risks of exploitation and human rights abuses in their production. Walk Free has warned that unethical practices, including forced labour, may be occurring in the supply chains of solar panels that contribute to this lucrative market.
Grace Forrest, Walk Free founding director, told ABC the problem of modern slavery was worsening.
Ms Forrest said 50 million people globally were living in modern slavery – including as many as 40,000 in Australia.
