45 - Modern slavery

Understanding Modern Slavery Risks in Australian Small Businesses

In this episode of Business Know How, host Melissa Bush delves into the often misunderstood topic of modern slavery in Australia, stressing its relevance even to small businesses. The discussion covers the definition and manifestations of modern slavery within local contexts, the evolution of Australian modern slavery laws, and practical steps businesses can take to mitigate risks. A detailed fictional case study highlights the inadvertent involvement of a Sydney cafe in modern slavery practices through a subcontractor, underscoring the importance of due diligence. Melissa outlines a comprehensive five-part framework and a practical checklist for small businesses to identify and manage modern slavery risks effectively.

00:00 Introduction to Modern Slavery in Australia

02:40 Understanding Modern Slavery

03:44 Modern Slavery in the Australian Context

05:15 The Evolution of Modern Slavery Laws in Australia

09:00 Impact on Small Businesses

09:48 Case Study: Luna's Cafe

12:49 Practical Steps for Small Business Owners

15:24 Modern Slavery Risk Management Checklist

16:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts