Labour, National lodge joint Modern Slavery Bill

A Members Bill to combat modern slavery has bipartisan support and will be lodged today to be introduced in the House on the next sitting day.

“Workers in New Zealand and around the world should never face the horrors of modern slavery. It’s time New Zealand stood with other countries and acted,” Labour MP Camilla Belich said.

“Labour and National have jointly backed the Modern Slavery Bill in my name and National MP Greg Fleming’s, using standing orders to introduce it without waiting for the ballot.

“The Bill will require large businesses to report on how they identify and address modern slavery in their supply chains, create a public register of these reports and strengthen support for victims in New Zealand.

“It would also give the Human Rights Commission a formal role and allows for future reviews, including the potential establishment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

“The legislation will bring New Zealand into line with key partners like the United Kingdom and the European Union. When we signed free trade agreements with these partners, we said we would act on modern slavery, and through this joint Bill we are keeping that promise.

“I’m proud that both sides of the House have come together to stand against exploitation, and grateful to the advocates, organisations and businesses who have pushed for this change,” Camilla Belich said.