Social Traders, the industry body for social enterprise and social performance, is committed to supporting its members to use business as a force for good – focusing on the impact of business on people.
Currently in Australia, there is an estimated 41,000 people in modern slavery. The AFP recently stated reports of human trafficking have nearly doubled over the past five years also*.
It has now become essential for Australian businesses to balance ethical practices and making profit.
This partnership between The Freedom Hub and Social Traders will support organisations to understand their legal obligations, particularly with mandatory due diligence laws on the horizon.
Social Traders members will benefit from the knowledge and tools being shared across various aspects of human rights due diligence with particular focus on the ‘Reasonable Steps^’ required to manage modern slavery risks in operations and supply-chains – as well as shining a light on survivor lived-experience.
The Freedom Hub also provides exclusive access to survivor insights through their Survivor Advisory Board by bringing a human perspective to the policies, ensuring that the voices of those directly affected by slavery are heard and respected.
“We’re delighted to partner with Social Traders as it strengthens our commitment to business for good and to driving slavery out of supply chains.” Sally Irwin, Founder and CEO of The Freedom Hub.
“With over 16 year's experience working directly with survivors of modern slavery, we bring credibility and the knowledge to further facilitate the development of a sustainable, human rights focused social enterprise sector.”
Social Traders members will be able to access the expertise of The Freedom Hub’s consultancy team to navigate Australia’s Modern Slavery legislation requirements and align themselves with the UN Guiding Principles on business and human rights.
“At Social Traders, we know social performance challenges rarely sit in neat boxes. Modern slavery, fair labour practices and human rights are deeply interconnected.” Tara Anderson, CEO Social Traders.
“By partnering with The Freedom Hub, it’s another way we’re helping organisations navigate the complexity that comes with regulation, gain clarity and access support to improve their social performance for competitive advantage.”
*AFP Media Release 12 October 2025
^NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s Guidance on Reasonable Steps to Manage Modern Slavery Risks in Operations and Supply-Chains version 1.0, December 2023.