Archbishop Anthony Fisher of Sydney
Photo: CNS Archbishop Anthony Fisher and archdiocesan staff welcomed a commitment by the government of New South Wales to enact anti-slavery legislation passed by the Australian Parliament more than two years ago.
The state of New South Wales endorsed the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and supported, in principle, a recommendation to implement the act before the end of the year.
Under the new laws, companies with annual consolidated revenue of over 100 million Australian dollars (€61.2 million) would have to produce public statements detailing how they are keeping their supply chains slavery-free. Modern slavery includes, but is not limited to, human trafficking and child labour.
Archbishop Fisher said the new laws are long overdue.
“I am grateful to the more than 10,000 people who petitioned the government over recent months, calling for an end to the stalling tactics that were delaying the enactment of these laws,” he said.
He also said it was encouraging to see the state government appoint an anti-slavery commissioner.
“Our community cannot be indifferent to modern slavery and human trafficking or our responsibility to eradicate it,” Archbishop Fisher said.
“Like the good Samaritan, we must reach out with a supportive hand to those in greatest need.”