Anti‑slavery commissioner calls for closing modern‑slavery disclosure loophole, slams Albanese

The Australian anti‑slavery commissioner said today that the current modern‑slavery reporting regime is a “half‑measure” because it obliges companies to disclose risks but gives them no duty to remediate.

She singled out Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, saying his government’s reforms “do not go far enough” and urging Parliament to close the gap.

The commissioner made the comments while noting that the issue has been amplified by the fallout from former US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on forced labour, underscoring the international relevance.

Under the existing law, companies must include a modern‑slavery statement in their annual reports, but there is no enforcement mechanism to compel action.

The commissioner called for legislation that would require firms not only to disclose but also to develop and implement remediation plans.