Business & Human Rights, News
UNGCNA and Allens release new publication on Australia’s proposed modern slavery reforms
Catie Shavin | September 21, 2026
The Australian Government is consulting on proposed new measures to strengthen Australia’s legislative response to modern slavery. These include the introduction of a new criminal offence as well as a new civil penalty enforcement regime to address non-compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth).
These proposed reforms mark a new direction for Australia’s modern slavery response, and raise many questions for companies in Australia.
To support engagement with the ongoing consultation – and preparation for the anticipated legislative changes – we invited Allens to respond to common questions we’re hearing from business about the proposed reforms, including:
- Where did the ‘failure to prevent’ formulation come from?
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How far down the supply chain would the new obligations apply?
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How will the proposed new offence interact with foreign laws?
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Will individual directors or officers face potential criminal or civil liability?
article by
Catie Shavin
Catie is a trusted independent advisor who works with businesses and other organisations to strengthen business respect for human rights and support a just transition to a sustainable world. For the past 16 years, Catie has been immersed in the business and human rights field in Australia and at a global level. Catie brings extensive experience leading programs and initiatives that support peer learning to strengthen business practices and approaches, collaboration to address complex challenges and leadership to help shape key legal and policy developments. Catie is admitted to legal practice in Australia and holds a Master of Laws and a Postgraduate Certificate in Poverty Reduction: Policy and Practice.
