Understanding the Modern Slavery Act Victoria: Key Guidelines and Compliance

Modern slavery remains a pressing global challenge, and Victoria’s Modern Slavery Act offers a robust framework to combat exploitation within its jurisdiction. This legislation mandates transparency and accountability across industries to protect vulnerable workers and uphold human dignity.

Enacted to address forced labor, debt bondage, and human trafficking, the Modern Slavery Act Victoria applies to businesses operating in Victoria with annual revenues over $50 million. It requires organizations to conduct due diligence, assess risks, and publish annual statements outlining measures taken to eliminate slavery from supply chains and operations.

Entities must develop and implement a modern slavery statement detailing risk assessments, due diligence processes, and remediation actions. Emphasis is placed on transparency across supply chains, with mandatory reporting on identified risks, actions taken, and ongoing monitoring. Compliance ensures alignment with national standards and strengthens stakeholder trust.

The Victorian Government enforces the Act through audits, public reporting, and collaboration with NGOs. Non-compliance may result in reputational damage, legal penalties, and mandated corrective actions. Regular reporting fosters accountability and continuous improvement in anti-slavery practices.

The Modern Slavery Act Victoria is a critical tool in the fight against exploitation, driving systemic change through transparency and responsibility. Businesses must embrace compliance not only as a legal duty but as a commitment to ethical operations. For guidance on meeting requirements, visit Victoria’s official compliance portal or consult legal experts specializing in modern slavery legislation.

(c) Suppliers, business partners and development partners when supplying goods and services, working on projects or otherwise engaging with Development Victoria. Definitions For the purpose of this Policy, Modern Slavery is defined in accordance with the definitions provided in the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), that is, including. Modern Slavery Act 2018Help and resources Register for My Account Sign in to My Account.

Australia's Modern Slavery Act 2018 is a transparency framework that requires certain large businesses operating in Australia to describe how they identify and address modern slavery risks in their global operations and supply chains. Section 1 - Summary (1) The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Cth) (MS Act), requires businesses and organisations to identify and address their modern slavery risks, and to maintain responsible and transparent supply chains. Along with other Australian organisations Victoria University (VU) will be required to prepare an annual Modern Slavery Statement which will be made publicly available.

(2. This is Development Victoria's first Modern Slavery Statement under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and sets out the actions taken to assess and address modern slavery risks in Development Victoria's operations and supply chains. This document is for the 2019-20 Financial Year (the Reporting Period).

This statement has been approved by the Board of Development Victoria on 23 February 2021. The Australian Government's commitment to introduce regulation to tackle modern slavery is now beyond doubt with the proposed introduction of new legislation. Modern slavery policy Purpose The purpose of this policy is to: (a) ensure that the goods and services purchased through Development Victoria's supply and value chains and in connection with our property development and social and capital works projects are ethical and minimise or eradicate Modern Slavery risks; and (b) set out the responsibilities of Development Victoria, its employees.

This detailed guidance material for reporting entities provides step-by-step instructions on how to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and advice about good practice. This is an independent role aimed at strengthening the country's efforts against modern slavery. The Commissioner will work with government, businesses, and civil society to improve compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018, enhance transparency in supply chains, and support victims.

About this compilation This compilation This is a compilation of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 7 November 2024 (the compilation date). The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.