Modern slavery impacts an estimated 41,000 people in Australia and more than 50 million worldwide (Global Slavery Index). It is not a distant issue - it hides in everyday supply chains, from seafood to solar panels.
Every business faces this risk. But every business also has an opportunity: to act decisively, protect people, and strengthen their reputation and resilience.
Balancing principle and profit
The pressures of faster and cheaper production allow modern slavery to thrive. For business leaders, balancing ethical business practices and making profit have never been more critical. It’s now expected:
- Legal obligations – The Modern Slavery Act requires large organisations to report on supply chain risks, with mandatory due diligence laws on the horizon.
- Reputation and trust – Consumers and partners increasingly demand ethical, transparent sourcing.
- Attracting investors – Having ethical business models that focuses on people and environment is attracting investors. According to the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) impact investments in Australia jumped from $30 billion in 2021 to $78 billion in 2023 and is forecast to grow to about $500 billion in 2025.
Businesses can counter modern slavery and create operational resilience by mapping and strengthening their supply chain to reduce risks of exploitation and costly disruptions.
“Modern slavery is one of the biggest areas of concern when it comes to supply chains,” said Sarah Parker, Social Enterprise Manager at The Freedom Hub. “Because visas are often tied to employers, there’s room for exploitation. We’ve seen people forced to work unpaid, live in shipping containers, or pay back recruitment fees they never agreed to.”
Businesses that act early gain more than compliance - they gain stronger supplier relationships, socially conscious customers, investors and industry leadership.
What modern slavery looks like
Modern slavery takes many forms: forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage and forced marriage.
Red flags for business include:
- Workers with confiscated passports or restricted movement
- Excessive recruitment fees or wage deductions
- Long hours, unsafe conditions, or no ability to leave employment
“It’s confronting to hear stories of people handcuffed to fishing boats or trapped on farms here in Australia, but these realities are exactly why we need visibility in our supply chains.” – Sarah Parker
The challenge is serious - but practical solutions exist.
Practical steps to take
The Freedom Hub recommends four immediate actions:
- Map suppliers beyond tier one to uncover hidden risks
- Implement supplier codes of conduct and transparent contracts
- Engage in remediation, not just termination - work with suppliers to improve practices
- Train teams in trauma-informed responses to support survivors
“Compliance is just the starting point, the real difference comes when organisations embed values and centre the voices of survivors. Small changes, done consistently, make the biggest impact.” – Sarah Parker
A partnership for impact
“At Social Traders, we know social performance challenges rarely sit in neat boxes. Modern slavery, fair labour practices and human rights are deeply interconnected. That’s why our partnership with The Freedom Hub matters. We continue to provide Social Traders members with foundational awareness and advice, and when specialist, survivor-informed support is needed, we connect our members directly with Freedom Hub for tailored advisory services.” – Tara Anderson, CEO Social Traders.
The Freedom Hub’s survivor-led approach ensures guidance is both practical and deeply informed. Together, we help businesses navigate complex challenges and deliver relevant, impactful solutions across the full spectrum of social procurement and ethical sourcing.
“We walk side by side with survivors to help them rebuild their lives. When businesses listen to lived experience, they not only meet their obligations - they create lasting social change.” – Sarah Parker
Modern slavery can feel overwhelming, but every business can act, taking one step at a time to make lasting impact. Together, we can build supply chains that protect people and strengthen brands.
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