Professor Ellie Chapple & Dr Shakoor Ahmed were invited by The Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee to give evidence at the Inquiry into the Modern Slavery Amendment (Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner) Bill 2023 [Provisions] in Brisbane on 19 February.
Amongst other things, the role, powers, independence and funding for the office of the commission were discussed. Professor Chapple and Dr Ahmed supported the amendments, particularly citing their research showing that businesses seeking to comply with modern slavery reporting obligations are requesting guidance. The central role of commissioner will perform a vital education function, with the hopes that enforcement powers will be added at a future time.
Click here for a link to their submission: Final Anti slavery inquiry submission 2024 Ahmed & Chapple