IJM welcomes proposed changes to strengthen Modern Slavery Act
International Justice Mission Australia
IJM Australia welcomes news that Australia’s Modern Slavery Act will be strengthened with a new criminal offence and civil penalties.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has today announced the proposed changes include a criminal offence which will apply where companies with annual consolidated revenue of more than $100 million, fail to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains. The proposed offence includes a defence where companies can prove that they took reasonable steps to prevent such harm.
David Braga, CEO of IJM Australia welcomed the announcement and the opportunity to consult on the proposed legislation.
“Modern slavery affects an estimated 50 million people across the world,” Mr Braga said.
“The International Labour Organisation estimates that half of those trapped in modern slavery are located the Asia Pacific [1] and frighteningly, one in four of those people are children,”
International Justice Mission works to combat modern slavery across our region in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia and South Asia. In 2025 across these countries, IJM and partners secured freedom for over 2,500 victims of forced labour and saw over 180 trafficking suspects charged. 2025 also saw 66 criminals convicted of trafficking offenses as a result of IJM’s work.
“As a regional leader Australia must take a firm stance to stamp out this horrific practice. Adding a criminal offence is an important step to show how seriously the Albanese Government takes modern slavery.”
While Australia has existing provisions that require companies to report on the actions they are taking to assess and address risks of modern slavery in their supply chains, the proposed changes are a significant step in requiring companies to take stronger actions. IJM also welcomes the intention flagged by the Attorney-General to consult on options to provide remedies to victims.
“Consultation will be important to lift up survivor voices and ensure that their experience is heard and understood alongside the experience of businesses in finalising this legislation,” Mr Braga added,
“In particular, we welcome consideration of remedies for victims as a key part of this process. We need to recognise the reality of modern slavery for real people and that the standard of living we enjoy in Australia, at times, comes at a horrific human cost.
“What we cannot allow in the passage of this legislation is to see the intention dulled. This cannot be about profits at the cost of people. The Attorney-General has made clear that the intention of this legislation is to give the Modern Slavery Act the teeth it needs.
“The Australian public expects the government to lead from the front on this issue, and IJM Australia is very pleased to be part of that process.”
Contact details:
Isabelle Colla [email protected] 0432 970 548