Australia Faces Pressure to Strengthen Anti-Slavery Laws as Supply Chain Concerns Mount

Australia is under increasing scrutiny to bolster its anti-slavery legislation amid growing concerns about forced labor within the supply chains of major companies, including glove-maker Ansell and retail giant Kmart. The calls for stronger laws come as Australia risks becoming a “dumping ground” for goods produced through exploitation, particularly as stricter regulations take hold in Europe and other key markets.

Calls for a More Robust Legal Framework

Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Chris Evans, has warned that current laws, which primarily require companies to disclose potential slavery risks, are inadequate. He described the existing approach as a “tick-a-box” exercise that fails to drive meaningful change and leaves vulnerable workers exposed to exploitation. Evans has advocated for a legal duty for companies to perform due diligence to detect and combat slavery in their supply chains.

Evans emphasized that Australia is falling behind international standards, particularly those set by Europe, and warned that the lack of effective laws could hinder trade with nations that have strong anti-slavery regulations.

Scrutiny on Ansell and Kmart

The push for stronger laws coincides with allegations of forced labor linked to both Ansell, and Kmart. Ansell, a leading manufacturer of protective gloves, has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its supply chain, specifically concerning a Malaysian supplier, MediCeram, which produces molds for the gloves. Concerns center on the treatment of workers, many of whom are reportedly from Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Kmart is facing legal action from a group of Uyghur women seeking to determine whether Chinese factories that manufacture its cotton garments utilize slave labor.

The Risk of Becoming a “Dumping Ground”

Commissioner Evans cautioned that Australia is at risk of becoming a “dumping ground” for slave-made goods that cannot be sold in markets with stricter anti-slavery laws. This situation could arise as other nations strengthen their regulations and refuse to accept products linked to exploitation.

The commissioner’s warnings underscore the urgency of strengthening legal frameworks and ensuring robust due diligence across all sectors to protect vulnerable workers and maintain access to international markets.