NSW Government unveils new Supplier Code of Conduct to combat modern slavery on World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

The NSW Government has unveiled an update to the NSW Supplier Code of Conduct to better tackle modern slavery risks in government supply-chains, coinciding with the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July.

The change was made by the NSW Procurement Board, which is chaired by NSW Treasury, at the initiative of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne.

The update introduces specific requirements for suppliers in an effort to strengthen management of modern slavery and human trafficking risks within government supply chains.

Recognising the urgent calls of the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the NSW Government is leveraging its $40 billion procurement power to combat all forms of modern slavery, including human trafficking and the worst forms of child labour.

The updated NSW Supplier Code of Conduct demonstrates how governments can promote anti-slavery outcomes through their own commercial practices.

Globally, over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with 28 million in forced labour, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Global Slavery Index indicates that G20 countries import $468 billion worth of at-risk products annually, including electronics, garments, and solar panels.

Human trafficking often involves the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of individuals through force, coercion, or manipulation. Many of these individuals end up in forced labour situations within global supply chains.

Under the updated Supplier Code of Conduct, NSW Government suppliers are required to make reasonable efforts to ensure that their supply chains are free from products made with modern slavery. This includes any product produced in whole or in part through modern slavery at any point in the supply chain.

Government buyers should also refer to the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s Guidance on Reasonable Steps and associated resources to ensure they are taking reasonable steps to ensure the goods and services they procure are free from modern slavery.

This initiative clarifies expectations for NSW Government suppliers and aligns with NSW Government buyers’ obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW) and the Public Works and Procurement Act 1912 (NSW). It also supports compliance with the Commonwealth National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-2025 and Australia’s international commitments.

NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner Dr James Cockayne said:

“To effectively combat modern slavery, NSW Government buyers are shifting their focus from risks to business to risks to people. This important step by the NSW Procurement Board will leverage NSW Government’s procurement power to accelerate the fight against modern slavery.”

NSW Treasury Deputy Secretary Sonya Campbell said:

“NSW is a thought and practice leader on modern slavery due diligence efforts being the first Australian jurisdiction to pass modern slavery legislation and one of the first jurisdictions in the world. “It is pleasing that through these changes to our Supplier Code of Conduct we will further our efforts to stamp out modern slavery and rid our supply chains of exploitation for personal or commercial gain.”