The NSW anti-slavery commissioner has announced that the organisation will focus on addressing modern slavery in government procurement practices as part of one of five priorities.
According to the plan, the commissioner aims to assist NSW public buyers in identifying and addressing modern slavery risks during procurement, while also ensuring the effectiveness of their efforts.
The commissioner will collaborate with the NSW procurement board and auditor-general to monitor the efficacy of due diligence procedures.
The plan acknowledges that certain products acquired by government buyers, local councils, and funded through public funds may potentially involve modern slavery.
“There’s strong evidence on the public record of the use of modern slavery in the production and distribution of those products,” NSW anti-slavery commissioner James Cockayne said in an article with The Mandarin.
“The suggestion here is not that all such products are made with modern slavery, but that there is good and robust evidence on the public record of presence and modern slavery in certain supply chains in most sectors.”
When asked about evidence of modern slavery within government supply chains, the commissioner confirmed that he received some information.
Related: Independent review finds procurement issues with agencies
Collaborating with over 30 organizations, the commissioner has been working on providing guidance on the reasonable steps that suppliers can take to effectively manage these risks.
The guidance will outline the specific actions that different public buyers must undertake to meet their statutory obligations, which have been in effect since July 1, 2022.
Beyond addressing modern slavery in government procurement, the plan also encompasses four additional priorities: building prevention capacity, enabling remedy, changing the narrative, and developing a community of purpose.
By focusing on these areas, the NSW anti-slavery commissioner aims to create a strong foundation for eradicating modern slavery and fostering a society that values freedom and justice.
Through collaborative efforts, increased awareness, and strict monitoring, the commissioner hopes that these initiatives will serve as a catalyst for change.