Extension of deadlines to submit modern slavery statements – What you need to know

This article is written by Daisy Mallett and Daniel Fielding

For businesses who are required to submit their first modern slavery statement in Australia this year, there has been an extension of time to submit these statements by three months due to disruptions caused by coronavirus (COVID-19).

A link to the government announcement can be found here. 

This means that for businesses that were required to file by 30 September 2020, they now have until 31 December 2020, and for businesses that were required to file by 31 December 2020, they now have until 31 March 2021. There has been no change to the deadline for submitting modern slavery statements due in 2021.   

This announcement follows recently released guidance by the Australian Border Force on how businesses can reduce the risk of vulnerable workers in their operations and supply chains becoming exposed to modern slavery during the COVID-19 pandemic and address the impact of COVID-19 in their statements. A link to our previous client update can be found here.

What are the new deadlines?

This extension only alters the deadline for submitting statements in 2020 and does not provide for a similar extension for any subsequent years.

How we can help

KWM can work with you to:

• identify modern slavery risks in your supply chains;
• develop internal anti-slavery policies and frameworks;
• consider and amend your procurement agreements;
• develop due diligence, culture and corporate governance guidelines;
• conduct awareness seminars for boards, executives, legal and procurement teams; and
• assist with preparing, drafting, or reviewing your modern slavery statements.