The Clean Energy Council welcomes the opportunity to provide this submission to the Attorney-General’s Department in relation to proposed reforms to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Act) outlined in the ‘Strengthening Australia’s legislative response to modern slavery in supply chains’ consultation paper dated August 2026 (Consultation Paper). The Consultation Paper seeks stakeholder submissions on the legislative design of a proposed ‘failure to prevent modern slavery offence’, including core legislative components of the offence and alternative enforcement mechanisms.
The CEC supports the intent of the proposed reforms to the Act, which aim to enhance corporate accountability for preventing modern slavery in supply chains, improve protections for workers vulnerable to exploitation and create a level playing field for businesses that are already taking meaningful action to identify, manage and address modern slavery risks. However, this submission makes several recommendations regarding the design of the proposed offence, with a focus on clear, proportionate and practical requirements. It also highlights a number of areas where additional guidance and practical mechanisms would support effective implementation.
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