The Global Compact Network Australia (GCNA) is pleased to have accepted a permanent position on the Australian Government’s Modern Slavery Expert Advisory Group (Expert Advisory Group). The GCNA is a member-based organisation and the Australian Local Network of the United Nations Global Compact. Whilst our members are predominantly businesses, we also have members from civil society organisations, academia and peak bodies.

We acknowledge the letter sent to the Honourable Jason Wood MP, Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs this week from academics, civil society organisations and unions calling for a more diverse representation of stakeholder groups on the Expert Advisory Group.

The GCNA is committed to multi-stakeholder engagement and recognises the importance of continuing meaningful consultation with all stakeholder groups around preventing and addressing business involvement in modern slavery, including ensuring the voices of workers and survivors are heard. We will continue to engage with a range of stakeholders around this issue and stand ready to bring a diverse set of views to the Expert Advisory Group.

The GCNA is proud of its long-standing commitment and strong approach to raising awareness of international business and human rights standards amongst our members and facilitating multi-stakeholder discussion around their implementation including through our Modern Slavery Community of Practice and Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights. We intend to bring this knowledge to the Expert Advisory Group.

We look forward to being part of the Expert Advisory Group and supporting the implementation of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act.

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