New Zealand: Govt not to advance modern slavery law
"Govt decision to not advance modern slavery law criticised", 22 September 2024
The Government has been criticised for its decision not to advance modern slavery legislation by business and legal experts, sparking concern New Zealand will fall behind other countries by failing to act.
In July last year, the Labour government announced a plan to make businesses report publicly on their actions to address exploitation risks in their operations and supply chains.
This proposal was developed with support from the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group, chaired by former Air New Zealand chief executive Rob Fyfe, which was tasked with helping develop laws to combat the issue.
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However, the Government disbanded the group in May, with Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden telling Parliament the issue was not a priority.
In his resignation as chairman in April, seen by 1News, Fyfe said it was a "source of embarrassment and disappointment" that politicians had shown "scant regard" for victims of modern slavery.
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