Archives
Apr 20, 2025 | Article, Ethical Business
Protecting Human Rights in Business during a Volatile Trade and Climate. Navigating Tariffs, Trade Wars & Supply Chain Disruption Without Compromising People As geopolitical tensions rise, new tariffs and global trade restrictions are reshaping supply chains and...
Apr 17, 2025 | Ending Modern Slavery
Hope and Hardship in Rural Queensland: Survivor Nick* Journey Towards Confidence and Connection Hope and hardship in rural Queensland are reflected in Nick’s experience. He was living in a remote area, with limited English and little local support. Therefore, he faced...
Mar 19, 2025 | About Modern Slavery, Forced Marriage
From Struggle to Success: Sasha’s Journey to Pursuing Her Dreams Sasha’s* journey into adulthood was not what she expected growing up in Sydney. Sasha arrived in Australia as a young child and enjoyed being surrounded by her community. She never imagined...
Mar 18, 2025 | About Modern Slavery, Article
We can not ignore this issue – and today is an important reminder. (written by Sally Irwin) “It was a moment that forever changed my understanding of the world. Years ago, while living in Berlin, Germany, I encountered individuals trapped in conditions...
Mar 13, 2025 | Article, Ethical Business, Ethical Business Newsletters, Forced Labour, Slavery on Farms
PALM Scheme Review: How you can Contribute to the Review The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) is currently conducting an important Review of the Impact of the PALM Scheme Deed and Guidelines Settings, with a focus on improving key aspects of the...
Mar 5, 2025 | Article, Ethical Business Newsletters
The EU Fight for Corporate Responsibility The European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive: This is A Defining Moment for Corporate Accountability (written by Sally Irwin March 2025) . For years, the European Union (EU) has led global efforts in...
Feb 27, 2025 | Global Modern Slavery Updates, Slavery in the Travel Industry
Is Your Travel Business Unknowingly Connected to Modern Slavery? Why Align with the UN Guiding Principles on Business & Human Rights (UNGPs)? The travel industry is under increasing scrutiny to ensure ethical business practices. Aligning with the...
Feb 27, 2025 | Article, Ethical Business
Slavery is a Business Risk: What the ICC’s New Policy Means for Companies and Consumers (written by Sally Irwin) Modern slavery isn’t just a human rights issue—it’s a business risk. This new policy has teeth. In December 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC)...
Feb 26, 2025 | Blog, Ending Modern Slavery, Ethical Business
Exploring Ethical Business Practices in Today’s Market Ethical business practices are more than just a nice idea. Besides being essential for building customer trust, they allow long-term success and a positive impact on society. In today’s competitive market,...
Feb 13, 2025 | About Modern Slavery, Article, Slavery in DV, Survivor News
Hannah* and her mum were excited about visiting their cultural homeland and planned the trip with her father. However, as the journey drew nearer, they began to realise that he had no intention of bringing them back to Australia. So they planned an escape. The night...
Feb 10, 2025 | Article, Ethical Business, Survivor School Newsletters
How Freeing Forced Labour Could Boost GDP by $611b – Insights from the Latest ILO Report The ILO report “Acting Against Forced Labour: An Assessment of Investment Requirements and Economic Benefits” argues that the global eradication of forced...
Jan 29, 2025 | Ethical Business, Ethical Business Newsletters
Wage Theft Laws Have Changed in Australia: What Businesses Need to Know Australia has introduced tougher laws to combat wage theft, and they’re a big wake-up call for employers. These changes are designed to protect workers and hold businesses accountable, but they...
Jan 29, 2025 | Ethical Business, Ethical Business Newsletters, Forced Labour
EU Forced Labour Regulation: What You Need to Know & How to Prepare On 12 December 2024, the EU announced the Forced Labour Regulation (FLR), which bans the sale of products made with forced labour within the EU market. Effective in 2027, this regulation targets...
Jan 28, 2025 | Ending Modern Slavery, Forced Labour, Slavery in Coffee, Slavery on Farms
Beware of Free Coffee – it Costs More than You Think! In today’s economy, the allure of a free or cheap coffee is undeniable. Whether it’s a complimentary cup at a conference, a promotional giveaway, or simply opting for the least expensive brew,...
Jan 28, 2025 | Ethical Business Newsletters
What is a Survivor Informed approach? Survivor-informed guidance is what happens when survivors’ voices guide your business decisions. [written by Sally Irwin] I’ve seen firsthand how empowering survivors of modern slavery creates transformative change. By...
Jan 21, 2025 | Blog
International Day of Education: Unlocking Potential Through Education for Women and Survivors of Modern Slavery Written By Sally Irwin Education is a fundamental human right and a powerful tool for transforming lives, families, and societies. Yet, as we mark...
Jan 18, 2025 | Forced Labour, Slavery on Farms, Stats and Facts about Modern Slavery, Survivor News
Owen: The Gentle Giant Enslaved in Forced Labour Owen * is a towering 6ft 7, with his imposing stature, it’s hard to imagine anyone could exploit him. However, Owen was enslaved in forced labour in regional Australia for years. Originally from a Pacific Island, Owen...
Jan 17, 2025 | Ethical Business Newsletters
The Role of Business in Creating Social Value written by Sally Irwin Social Value? How can your business do well while doing good? In a world increasingly driven by social impact and sustainability, businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the charge. By embedding...
Dec 16, 2024 | About Modern Slavery, Blog, Ending Modern Slavery, Ethical Business
Written by: Sally Irwin The Australian Government’s response to the independent review of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) is a step forward—but not a leap. Accepting or agreeing in principle to 25 out of 30 recommendations from Professor John McMillan’s review, the...
Nov 27, 2024 | 16Days of Freedom, Blog, Ending Modern Slavery
Written by: Zainab Attarwali The Global 16 Days of Activism Campaign is a powerful movement calling for the elimination of gender-based violence (GBV). Launched in 1991 by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership (CWGL) and feminist leaders at the first Women’s Global...
Nov 12, 2024 | Blog, Ending Modern Slavery, Ethical Shopping
Written by: Zainab Attarwali As we gather to celebrate the holidays with joy-filled meals, it’s easy to overlook where our festive foods come from and who might be impacted by their production. In Australia, much of the seafood on our plates and the produce on...
Nov 12, 2024 | Ending Modern Slavery, Ethical Business
Written by: Synne Jensen & Jess Irwin Businesses can make a real impact in the fight against modern slavery. In this article, we will highlight three Australian businesses that are leading the way with their human rights responses. WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION: If...
Oct 29, 2024 | Blog, Ending Modern Slavery, Ethical Shopping
Written by: Zainab Attarwali With the joy-filled festive season right around the corner, it’s easy to dive into gift shopping without thinking about the impact it might have on the individuals who make them. This year, why not choose gifts that bring happiness to your...
Aug 19, 2024 | Blog, Ending Modern Slavery
Written by: Zainab Attarwali On 19 August, the world comes together to honour those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian work, often at great personal risk. This World Humanitarian Day, we reflect on the shared mission of all humanitarians: to protect and uphold...
Jul 30, 2024 | Blog, Child Labour, Ending Modern Slavery, Stats and Facts about Modern Slavery
Written by: Zainab Attarwali As the world commemorates UN World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30th July, it is crucial to remember that human trafficking is a severe breach of fundamental human rights and a global issue that affects every community and...
Jun 12, 2024 | Blog, Child Labour, Ending Modern Slavery, Stats and Facts about Modern Slavery
World Day Against Child Labour 2024 Every year, 12 June is World Day Against Child Labour, a day dedicated to raising awareness and driving efforts to eliminate child labour worldwide. In 2024, the theme is “Let’s act on our commitments: End Child Labour!”...
May 16, 2024 | Blog, Ending Modern Slavery, Slavery in Fashion
Australian Fashion Week 2024 We take the time to remember the tragic Rana Plaza collapse which took the lives of 1,132 people, mostly garment workers, in Bangladesh 10 years ago. “I managed to rescue her and I remember extracting sharp metals out of her...
Dec 10, 2023 | 16Days of Freedom, Ending Modern Slavery
It is the final day of 16 Days of Freedom. Thank you to everyone who has read and shared every blog with friends, family, or colleagues. Our work couldn’t be done without you, so thank you. Human Rights Day Today is Human Rights Day. It’s celebrated...
Dec 3, 2023 | 16Days of Freedom, Ending Modern Slavery
It is day 15 of our 16 Days of Freedom, which means it’s also day 15 of the UN 16 Days of Activism Against Violence Against Women. It wouldn’t be right to finish this series without discussing the intersectionality between feminism, the fight for women,...
Dec 2, 2023 | 16Days of Freedom, Ending Modern Slavery
With just two more days left in our 16 Days of Freedom, I thought it might be a good idea to share with you about The Freedom Hub – what we do, our vision, and how you can be a part of it. The Freedom Hub The Freedom Hub’s vision is to end modern slavery in...
