Australia Toughens Modern Slavery Penalties

Australia announced large companies that fail to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains will face criminal liability, weeks after the United States threatened tariffs over the issue.

The new laws create a criminal offence for businesses with revenue over $70 million that do not address forced labour and debt bondage.

The move follows a US threat of tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 countries for inaction on slave labour.

The legislation aims to strengthen Australia’s response to modern slavery and align with international pressure.