The NSW government has announced changes to its Supplier Code of Conduct to reflect modern slavery laws, incorporating new expectations for suppliers.
Initiated by NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner Dr James Cockayne, the amendment was recently implemented by the NSW Procurement Board.
Leveraging its $40 billion procurement power to combat all forms of modern slavery, the change means suppliers must make reasonable efforts to ensure that businesses within their supply chains are not supplying ‘products of modern slavery’.
“A ‘product of modern slavery’ is a product produced in whole or in part through modern slavery. This means that a good/service is a ‘product of modern slavery’ if modern slavery exists at any point along its supply chain,” said the NSW government.
“This amendment clarifies expectations of suppliers that they consider all forms of modern slavery, not just forced or child labour.”
The Supplier Code of Conduct outlines the ethical standards and behaviours the NSW government expects from itself and its suppliers.
“We expect our suppliers to provide a fair and ethical workplace free from workplace bullying, harassment, victimisation and abuse,” says the Code.
“We expect our suppliers to ensure that businesses within their supply chain are not engaged in, or complicit with other human rights abuses.”
Government buyers are urged to refer to the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s Guidance on Reasonable Steps to confirm they are taking reasonable steps to ensure the goods and services they procure are free from modern slavery.
Dr Cockayne said NSW government buyers are shifting their focus from risks to business to risks to people in a bid to effectively combat modern slavery.
“This important step by the NSW Procurement Board will leverage NSW government’s procurement power to accelerate the fight against modern slavery.”
NSW Treasury Deputy Secretary Sonya Campbell said NSW was the first Australian jurisdiction to pass modern slavery legislation and one of the first jurisdictions in the world.
“It is pleasing that through these changes to our Supplier Code of Conduct we will further our efforts to stamp out modern slavery and rid our supply chains of exploitation for personal or commercial gain.”
Globally, over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with 28 million in forced labour, according to the International Labour Organization.
This often involves the recruitment, transportation and exploitation of individuals through force, coercion or manipulation, with many of these individuals ending up in forced labour situations within global supply chains.
The Global Slavery Index indicates that G20 countries import $468 billion worth of at-risk products annually, including electronics, garments and solar panels.
