Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Functions
Functions
The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner exercises the following functions under section 20C(1) of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth):
- to promote compliance with the Modern Slavery Act
- to support Australian entities and entities carrying on business in Australia to address risks of modern slavery practices in their operations and supply chains, and in the operations and supply chains of entities they own or control
- to support collaboration and engagement within and across sectors in relation to addressing modern slavery
- to support victims of modern slavery by providing information in relation to government and non-government resources, programs and services, including by developing and maintaining guidance material and making such material publicly available
- to engage with, and promote engagement with, victims of modern slavery to inform measures for addressing modern slavery
- to support, encourage and conduct education and community awareness initiatives relating to modern slavery
- to support, encourage, conduct and evaluate research about modern slavery
- to collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information relating to modern slavery
- to consult and liaise with Commonwealth, State and Territory governments, agencies, bodies and office holders on matters relating to modern slavery
- to consult and liaise with other persons and organisations on matters relating to modern slavery
- to advocate to the Commonwealth Government on matters relating to modern slavery, including for continuous improvement in policy and practice
- at the request of the Minister, to provide advice to the Minister on matters relating to modern slavery
- such other functions as are conferred on the Commissioner by the Modern Slavery Act or any other law of the Commonwealth
- to engage with victims of modern slavery to inform and support the performance of the above functions
- to do anything incidental or conducive to the performance of any of the above functions.
Modern slavery cases
The Commissioner cannot investigate, or resolve, complaints concerning instances or suspected instances of modern slavery. The Australian Federal Police investigates reports of modern slavery. The Commissioner can provide information to individuals about safety and support services, including information on accommodation, legal services, and counselling support services. The Commissioner can also make observations regarding systemic issues based on his engagement with victims and survivors and the broader community.