Modern Slavery Bill

Summary

• The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora strongly supports the aim of this Bill to put in place a
  statutory framework to strengthen and coordinate actions to combat modern slavery.
• Businesses need to be required to do due diligence and demonstrate that they are taking
  action to deal with any identified risks of modern slavery in supply chains.
• The legislation should create a dedicated government agency to help identify high-risk sectors and supply chains as well as provide advice to businesses and entities about how to prevent slavery and respond effectively to any identified risks.
• The experience of survivors of modern slavery needs to be at the centre of the legislation. The Bill needs to be more clearly aligned with other related laws and the existing processes for identifying, protecting and supporting survivors of slavery and trafficking. We recommend that the Bill require a national referral mechanism be created and the appointment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner as an advocate for survivors.