The Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, the Hon Jason Wood MP, today announced the Australian Government will extend the deadline for entities due to lodge statements in 2020 under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (the Act) by three months.

This three month deadline extension applies to all reporting entities under the Act operating on reporting periods that end on or before 30 June 2020.

“The Government’s decision to temporarily extend reporting deadlines under the Modern Slavery Act recognises that the coronavirus pandemic is causing significant and unprecedented disruption for Australian businesses and global supply chains,” Assistant Minister Wood said.

“Now more than ever, it is vital that entities continue to take action to combat modern slavery risks in their global operations and supply chains and report on these actions through their modern slavery statements.”

“This three month deadline extension will provide reporting entities with additional time to assess changing modern slavery risks linked to the coronavirus pandemic and help ensure that they are able to comply with their legislative obligations.”

Further information about the deadline extension and advice for reporting entities about responding to the impacts of coronavirus is available on the Department of Home Affairs’ website: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about-us/our-portfolios/criminal-justice/people-smuggling-human-trafficking/modern-slavery“