Submission in response to consultation on the Modern Slavery Bill (NZ)

This joint submission by the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner, the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and the Australian Human Rights Commission outlines key considerations for New Zealand’s proposed Modern Slavery Bill. It supports the introduction of a transparency-based reporting regime as a foundation for change, while emphasising the importance of clear guidance, alignment with international frameworks and effective compliance and enforcement to ensure credibility. Drawing on Australia’s experience, the submission also highlights the need to progress toward mandatory due diligence obligations so entities actively manage risks, and to embed lived experience in policy development to ensure reforms are practical, responsive and capable of delivering meaningful outcomes.