New Zealand Government Introduces Public Register to Combat Modern Slavery in Supply Chains
The New Zealand government has taken a significant step towards combatting modern slavery practices by announcing the introduction of a public register aimed at increasing transparency in supply chains. Under this new legislation, businesses with a revenue exceeding $20 million will be required to report on their operations and supply chains, specifically addressing the risks of exploitation. By doing so, the government hopes to tackle modern slavery practices, which encompass forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, and slavery.
This move comes as the International Labor Organization estimates that over 3,000 people in New Zealand are subjected to these exploitative conditions. Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Carmel Sepuloni, emphasized the importance of bringing these practices to light to ensure the safety and dignity of workers. She described the proposed legislation and public register as among the world’s strongest reporting systems for combating modern slavery.
In a recent open letter, 115 businesses expressed their support for legislation to address modern slavery in New Zealand. Earlier this year, industry leaders, frustrated by the slow progress in addressing this issue, urged companies to acknowledge and address modern slavery within their own operations even before any legislation mandated it. Sepuloni acknowledged that some businesses were already taking steps to ensure their supply chains were free from modern slavery. However, the new legislation aims to level the playing field and provide conscious consumers with greater transparency regarding the products and services they consume.
The New Zealand government is committed to preventing modern slavery in its supply chains and promoting responsible business conduct as part of its Free Trade Agreements with the United Kingdom and the European Union. Sepuloni emphasized that a lack of action in this regard could be detrimental to trading relationships, highlighting the importance of bolstering New Zealand’s transparent and ethical reputation both domestically and on the global stage.
Focusing on larger organizations will enable those with greater influence over extensive supply chains to implement necessary changes without overburdening small businesses. Rob Fyfe, Chair of the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group, commended businesses that have taken proactive measures to address modern slavery, even before legislative requirements were introduced.
This proposed reporting system is poised to bring crucial information regarding supply chains to the forefront, allowing consumers to make more informed choices. By aligning with key trading partners and meeting the growing expectations of domestic and international consumers, New Zealand aims to drive positive change and eradicate modern slavery practices.
In summary, the New Zealand government’s introduction of a public register and reporting requirements is a significant step towards combatting modern slavery in supply chains. By increasing transparency and accountability, the government hopes to protect workers, promote responsible business conduct, and enhance New Zealand’s global reputation as an ethical and transparent trading partner.
