Australia's Anti-Slavery Commissioner Pushes for Mandatory Due Diligence

Australia's anti-slavery commissioner, Chris Evans, is advocating for new legislation to mandate that Australian companies address modern slavery within their supply chains. Evans stated that current laws, which only require disclosure of slavery risks, are insufficient and often lead to a perfunctory compliance approach from companies. He noted that the existing framework is effectively voluntary, lacking penalties for non-reporting or quality assessment of compliance efforts.

"Australia risks becoming a destination for slave-made goods due to its weaker laws compared to key markets like Europe."

Evans warned that the absence of robust regulations could complicate Australian exports to nations with stricter anti-slavery standards.

Commissioner's Proposals: Mandatory Due Diligence and High-Risk Designations

In a submission to a government review, Evans proposed that Australian companies should have a legal obligation to perform due diligence to identify and combat slavery in their supply chains. He likened this to existing duties related to anti-money laundering and terrorism financing.

He also seeks the authority to designate specific industries, products, or services as high-risk. This designation would compel companies to increase their due diligence when importing such goods, citing examples like the garment and seafood sectors.

Allegations Against Australian Companies: Ansell and Kmart

Concerns regarding forced labor have been linked to the supply chains of Australian companies, including glove-maker Ansell and retailer Kmart.

Ansell Faces Allegations Over Malaysian Supplier

Ansell faced allegations related to its Malaysian supplier, Mediceram, concerning the treatment of Bangladeshi workers involved in manufacturing glove molds. Activist Andy Hall filed a complaint alleging wage theft, forced labor, and passport confiscation.

While Mediceram initially agreed to remediation payments for broker fees, the dispute escalated when workers accused the company of breaching the agreement and went on strike, leading to deportations.

Ansell stated it responded swiftly to allegations in March last year, provided financial assistance to Mediceram, and suspended its relationship in October 2025 when worker-management relations deteriorated. Ansell reported it is now supporting the remaining workers with food aid and repatriation.

Mediceram's chairman, Arumugam Suppiah, denied abusing worker rights and attributed the company's collapse to Hall's actions, stating that issues originate in Bangladesh and that Malaysia has robust anti-trafficking laws.

Kmart Subject to Legal Action Over Xinjiang Connections

Separately, the Australian Uyghur Tangritagh Women's Association (AUTWA) initiated legal action against Kmart in the Federal Court. AUTWA seeks documents from Kmart regarding two suppliers with connections to China's Xinjiang region, aiming to determine if these suppliers utilize forced Uyghur labor.

UN experts have previously indicated that China's program of detaining and transferring Uyghurs to work camps may constitute forced labor or enslavement.

Kmart affirmed its commitment to human rights and expressed disappointment that AUTWA pursued legal action without first meeting to clarify concerns. AUTWA's solicitors, Maurice Blackburn, stated that the court proceeding followed over 12 months of Kmart's refusal to provide requested documents.

Consumer Awareness and Border Control Gaps

Slavery expert Fiona David suggested that consumers should consider if the low price of certain goods indicates they are not produced without exploitation. She also highlighted the absence of border controls to prevent the import of slave-made goods into Australia, a measure also supported by Commissioner Evans, though it is not under current government review.

Evans reiterated that Australia is at risk of becoming a market for goods produced under unlawful practices because they are unable to enter other, more regulated markets.