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ALHR welcomes government’s commitment to Modern Slavery Act
Australian human rights lawyers have welcomed a 2020-2024 plan that would address and respond to modern slavery, including implementations to the Modern Slavery Act.
Naomi Neilson
In a submission in response to a public consultation paper on the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery, Australian Lawyers for Human Rights (ALHR) said it would continue to support and advocate for the strengthening of Australia’s slavery acts.
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Its submission read: “ALHR welcomes the 2020-2024 plan as an ongoing commitment of the Australian government to whole-of-government strategy to address and respond to modern slavery, including its plan to support implementation of Modern Slavery Act.”
The submissions include ensuring businesses are provided with further education and guidance on how to implement gender lens in their identification of, and responses to, modern slavery risks and “when undertaking human rights due diligence”.
ALHR asked that reporting entities are made publicly available to ensure compliance, that non-judicial remedies are provided to businesses to empower victims and include an additional goal to engage the business sector to understand modern terms.
In terms of the government, the organisation has called for it to ensure victims have a support system, to consider the risks faced by victims in the collection of data, for the government to consider establishing a centre tasked specifically with developing data, and to communicate and collaborate with civil society.
“It is vital 2020-2024 plan reflects the current issues facing individuals, the community, businesses and the nation as a whole regarding modern slavery, in order of the plan to be relevant and effective,” the ALHR stated in its submission.
