Do I need a Reconciliation Action Plan or a Modern Slavery Statement?

Many clients that we work with have written, designed and distributed Modern Slavery Statements and Reconciliation Action Plans over the past few years. New laws came into effect on January 2022 requiring  some companies to submit extra reporting relating to Modern Slavery. Let’s look at who needs one, what they are and how to get one.

From January 2022 Australian entities or those that carry on business in Australia (with a minimum annual consolidated revenue of $100 million) will need to submit a statement under the new Modern Slavery Act 2018 (NSW). Department of Home Affairs describes Modern Slavery as “situations where offenders use coercion, threats or deception to exploit victims and undermine their freedom”.

A company’s slavery and human trafficking statement should outline its commitment to tackling modern slavery, and justify this by documenting its risk-mapping processes, relevant policies, training procedures, action plans, and engagement stakeholders – like workers, NGOs and trade unions. And like your Annual Report, if it’s online, it will get more readership than you think – so it’s also a good idea for it to look good and be on-brand. Contact Fresco for assistance with copyrighting, design and distribution.

While you’re at it, you better wrap your head around a RAP! Since 2006, Reconciliation Action Plans (RAPs) have enabled organisations to sustainably and strategically take meaningful action to advance reconciliation. Based around the core pillars of relationships, respect and opportunities, RAPs provide tangible and substantive benefits for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, increasing economic equity and supporting First Nations self-determination. Check out Reconciliation Australia for more information about those and contact Fresco for help with making one.