Modern Slavery

In simple terms, modern slavery is a serious violation of an individual’s dignity and human rights. Exploitative practices, including human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced labour, debt bondage, deceptive recruitment for labour or services, forced marriage, and the worst forms of child labour are all considered modern slavery, and are serious crimes under Australian law.

Through our employees, suppliers and partners, we strive for excellence to ensure our products and services are delivered ethically and responsibly. Our procurement processes establish clear guidelines for maintaining sustainable and social integrity which includes reporting and remediating modern slavery risks.

UniSQ's Modern Slavery Statement

The Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 came into force on 1 January 2019 and aims to combat modern slavery through identification of risks in operations and implementing actions to address those risks.

In accordance with the Act, the University of Southern Queensland is required to submit an annual statement outlining how it identifies, assesses and manages modern slavery risks within its global operations and supply chains.

The University of Southern Queensland's 2023 Modern Slavery Statement can be accessed here.

Communications

University communications for employees (restrictions may apply)

University communications for suppliers and partners

Sample supplier email communication (released 16 December 2020)

Reporting

UniSQ aspires to an organisational climate where all students, employees and partners feel confident and comfortable about raising concerns or making legitimate and grounded complaints.

In accordance with the University's Procurement Procedure, the University will maintain a fair, equitable and non-discriminatory process for addressing complaints and concerns raised about University procurement activities in accordance with the UniSQ Complaint Management Framework.

If you become aware of any circumstances in which modern slavery may be present, concerns or complaints involving the University should be reported in accordance with the University’s Complaints Management Procedure.

Circumstances which do not involve the University should be reported to the Australian Federal Police. Further support can be sought through Anti-Slavery Australia and the Australian Red Cross.

Supplier and Partner information

The following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available to support the University's suppliers and partners.

Q: What is modern slavery?

A: The Modern Slavery Act 2018 defines Modern Slavery as:

‘conduct which would constitute:

(a) an offence under Division 270 or 271 of the Criminal Code; or

(b) an offence under either of those Divisions if the conduct took place in Australia; or

(c) trafficking in persons, as defined in Article 3 of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, done at New York on 15 November 2000 ([2005] ATS 27); or

(d) the worst forms of child labour, as defined in Article 3 of the ILO Convention (No. 182) concerning the Prohibition and Immediate Action for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour, done at Geneva on 17 June 1999 ([2007] ATS 38).’

Q: How do I determine if modern slavery is present in my organisation's operations and supply chains?

A: A risk assessment should be conducted and reviewed regularly to identify and address modern slavery risks within an organisation’s operations and supply chains.

Q: How can I address modern slavery?

A: Actions for addressing modern slavery risks can be identified within an organisation’s risk assessment. This may include engaging with suppliers and partners to ensure the organisation is not contributing to modern slavery through indirect (third-party) relationships.

Q: What should I do if I have a complaint or concern regarding modern slavery?

A: UniSQ is committed to combating modern slavery and is focused on mitigating any such risks within its operations and supply chains. If you become aware of any circumstances in which modern slavery may be present, concerns or complaints involving the University should be reported in accordance with the University’s Complaints Management Procedure. Please provide details in writing to the Director (Integrity and Professional Conduct). Circumstances which do not involve the University should be reported to the Australian Federal Police. Further support can be sought through Anti-Slavery Australia and the Australian Red Cross.