Legislative Council Wednesday 11 July, 2018

Ms  FORREST question  to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With the introduction and expected passage of the Modern Slavery Bill 2018 in the federal parliament -

(1)  Will this legislation capture all Tasmanian businesses and require them to ensure their business and supply chains will be required to undertake an audit to identify any modern slavery within their organisation and/or supply chains?

(2)  Will this legislation capture all Tasmanian Government entities, including all departments, agencies and government businesses, and require them to ensure all activity, including procurement, will be required to undertake an audit to identify any modern slavery within their organisation and/or supply chains? 

(3)  If nationally consistent legislation is required at a state level, noting New South Wales has passed its own legislation, will the Attorney-General commit to prioritising any necessary legislation?

(4)  Does the Attorney-General support the inclusion of an independent commissioner to provide oversight and advice to governments and business to ensure consistent communication and efficiency of assessment and actions to address and end modern slavery?

ANSWER

Mr President, I thank the member for Murchison for her question.

(1) to (4)

The Modern Slavery Bill 2018 is currently before the House of Representatives and was referred to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry on 28 June 2018.  The committee's report is due on 24 August 2018. 

 It would be premature for the Attorney-General to make any formal comment on this matter as it may pre-empt the Senate committee's consideration of the issue.