Modern Slavery

Opened the debate

The member argued that Australia's current modern slavery framework relied too heavily on supply-chain transparency for large entities, which covered only a small fraction of companies. Katter contended that this approach failed to address the importation of goods produced under slave labour conditions, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables. Katter highlighted the vulnerability of the Australian banana industry, noting that 6,000 jobs were at risk from imports produced with low-wage labour. The member called for the government to prohibit imports linked to slave labour, grant the Australian Border Force powers to investigate and seize goods, and establish rebuttable presumptions of prohibition for high-risk agricultural products. Katter also raised concerns about the introduction of plant diseases, citing historical examples such as black sigatoka in bananas.

Government response

The minister acknowledged the seriousness of modern slavery and described it as a global issue requiring international cooperation. Hill noted that the government had responded to a 2023 independent statutory review of the Modern Slavery Act by agreeing to most recommendations. Hill highlighted the establishment of Australia's first anti-slavery commissioner in 2024 to hold entities accountable. The minister announced that the Attorney-General had proposed a new criminal offence for companies with annual consolidated revenue over $100 million that do not stop modern slavery in their supply chains. Hill stated that public consultation on these proposed offences was open and would close on 25 September.