Event details

The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) commenced on 1 January 2019 and introduced mandatory reporting requirements for larger companies to address the risk of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.

Although the Act's mandatory reporting obligations only apply to organisations operating in Australia with annual revenues over $100 million – roughly 3,000 organisations – the Act's impacts extend much further. If a business has any dealings with these large organisations, directly or through a third party, its own supply chain may come under scrutiny.

The end of the 2020 financial year marks the first reporting period under the Act, with most modern slavery statements due to be submitted by 31 December 2020. Cooper Grace Ward's corporate counsel presentation on Modern Slavery is timed to help your organisation review the steps that need to be taken to comply with the new regime.

In this practical discussion, partner Sam Adams and lawyer David Lee Lewes will address:

• common challenges confronting businesses both large and small as they adapt to the new Act
• the effects being felt beyond large organisations into their supplier base, and even the suppliers to those suppliers
• the impacts of non-compliance including significant reputational impacts
• some of the key risks that are being uncovered in the supply chains of Australian businesses
• tips to ensure your organisation is complying with the Act as we approach the first reporting dates.

We hope you can join us for this first seminar in our Corporate Counsel series for 2020.