Terms of reference - Review of the Modern Slavery Act

The review will consider the operation of the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 (the Act) over the first three years and whether any additional measures are necessary or desirable to improve compliance with the Act and the operation of the Act.

Modern slavery practices are major violations of human rights and serious crimes. Modern slavery practices include trafficking in persons, slavery, and slavery-like practices including forced labour, servitude, debt bondage, deceptive recruiting, forced marriage, and the worst forms of child labour.

The Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act established Australia’s national Modern Slavery Reporting Requirement. The Act was established through extensive consultations with the Australian business community and civil society, including investors.

The Australian Parliament passed the Act on 29 November 2018 and the reporting requirement came into effect on 1 January 2019.