Forced labour allegations in the supply chain of an Australian company

In recent months, gloves made by an Australian company were linked with allegations of forced labour in Malaysia.

Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner Chris Evans said, “I have been concerned to hear of allegations of forced labour in an Australian company’s supply chain in Malaysia. In particular, I am concerned about reports overnight that more than 180 migrant workers have been fired, and some may be deported without receiving payments owed to them.”

“Australians want to know the goods and services they consume aren’t linked to exploitation. Workers in our supply chains deserve to be treated fairly and paid what they are owed.”

More than half of the world’s forced labour occurs in the Asia-Pacific region, a key sourcing area for Australian businesses and consumers. Unfortunately, a wide range of goods and services consumed by Australians are linked to concerns about forced labour.

“Australia’s current modern slavery reporting laws aren’t up to the challenge of tackling forced labour. Once a global leader, we are now falling behind as international trading partners take stronger measures on forced labour in supply chains."

The Commissioner is advocating for stronger laws so that large businesses are required to take reasonable steps to address modern slavery risks, not just report on them. In addition, the Australian Government does not have a mechanism to identify and prevent goods made with forced labour from entering Australia. In contrast, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union have already introduced laws banning the import of goods made with forced labour, and several countries in our region are moving in the same direction.

“Without stronger laws, Australia risks becoming a dumping ground for goods made with forced labour that cannot enter other markets. Australia must do better. Everyone deserves to live and work in freedom and safety."