Modern Slavery: Why It’s Every Australian’s Business

Estimates suggest there are presently more than 50 million people in modern slavery worldwide with over 41,000 in Australia.

Australian consumers and businesses are further exposed to slavery via the products we use and consume every day, such as mobile phones, computers and agricultural produce. Indeed, p.a. more than US$468 billion of goods at risk of being made with forced labour are imported into G20 countries alone. In short, modern slavery is all around us and exists in every country and industry. No one is immune.

If your business, or if you as an individual consumer, disagree with the idea of actually purchasing a human being it is important to ensure that you educate yourself to make sure you are not contributing to modern slavery inadvertently. Furthermore, Australia enacted legislation in 2018 that requires large Australian businesses to provide an annual account of the modern slavery risks they are facing, not just in their direct operations but in their supply chains. To the present time the response to this legislation has been wanting, yet the Government released a review of the Act earlier this year and the time for flippancy will soon be at an end.

In this session, you will learn more about what modern slavery is, how it affects you and what you can do about it as both individuals and professionals across all walks of life. In the words of historical abolitionist William Wilberforce: You can choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.

Part of our regular 'Diplomacy at the Bar' series, where knowledge, networking and a glass of wine coalesce for a more relaxed way to get involved in international affairs. We hope you come along to join the conversation and get to know some fellow international affairs aficionados at Adelaide's The Howling Owl.

Note: This is an in-person event only. Food provided.