MOTIONS › International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
Senator RUSTON (South Australia—Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) (16:12): I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator RUSTON: The Liberal-National government's modern slavery bill passed this parliament last week and is a wonderful example of the parliament at its best. Despite our wide range of views, we all agree on the fundamental principle that modern slavery has no place in our community and in the supply chains of the goods and services we buy. The bill will hold large organisations accountable for their supply chain practices and create a level playing field for industry to address and disclose their modern slavery risks. This bill is a first step, and there will be a comprehensive three-year review. The modern slavery business engagement unit is the most effective way to implement the reporting requirements, an independent anti-slavery commissioner and penalties are not required at this stage. Question agreed to.