Additional steps to combat modern slavery in NSW Government procurement

A MINISTERIAL Direction will require NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos has directed all NSW Government agencies to include modern slavery tender clauses in procurement categories identified as ‘high risk’.

The change will come into effect in January, with a six month transition period.

This means that any supplier bidding for high-risk government contracts will need to clearly demonstrate the steps they are taking to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains.

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said, “This Direction is an important outcome of the Government’s ongoing work with the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner.

“The NSW Government spends around $40 billion on goods and services each year.

“This buying power gives us a unique opportunity to influence supply chains, demand ethical practices, and dismantle systems of exploitation.

“Job creation should go hand-in-hand with ethical sourcing.

“We want to see new jobs that are sustainable, and supply chains managing the risk of exploitation.”

Model clauses have been designed by the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner as a resource for agencies.

NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner Dr James Cockayne said, “This Direction is an important step towards establishing NSW as a model contracting party on anti-slavery issues.

“It will help NSW Government entities take reasonable steps to manage modern slavery risks in their supply-chains.

“Mandating the Model Tender Clauses for high-risk procurements means that agencies must, from 1 July next year, assess suppliers against the Guidance on Reasonable Steps I issued two years ago.”