The NSW government has updated its supplier code of conduct to include measures against modern slavery.

The updated code reflects how government can use its $40 billion procurement power to combat all forms of modern slavery including human trafficking and child labour, NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner, James Cockayne says.

Under the updated code suppliers will have to make reasonable efforts to ensure their supply chains are free from products made with modern slavery, such as electronics, garments and solar panels.

This includes any product produced in whole or in part through modern slavery at any point in the supply chain.

“Suppliers must take all reasonable steps to ensure that businesses within their supply-chains are not supplying products of modern slavery,” the update says.

“We expect our suppliers to provide a fair and ethical workplace free from workplace bullying, harassment, victimisation and abuse.

“We expect our suppliers to ensure that businesses within their supply chain are not engaged in, or complicit with other human rights abuses.”

The change, an initiative of NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner, was implemented by the NSW Procurement Board this week.

Government buyers can refer to the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s Guidance on Reasonable Steps to help ensure the goods and services they procure are free from modern slavery.

Leveraging government procurement

Dr Cockayne says it’s an important step in leveraging government procurement in the fight against modern slavery.

“To effectively combat modern slavery, NSW Government buyers are shifting their focus from risks to business to risks to people,” Dr Cockayne said.

“The updated NSW Supplier Code of Conduct demonstrates how governments can promote anti-slavery outcomes through their own commercial practices.”

NSW Treasury deputy secretary Sonya Campbell said NSW was the first Australian jurisdiction to pass modern slavery legislation.

“It is pleasing that through these changes to our Supplier Code of Conduct we will further our efforts to stamp out modern slavery and rid our supply chains of exploitation for personal or commercial gain,” she said.

Modern slavery often involves the recruitment and exploitation of people through coercion or manipulation, with many ending up in forced labour operations embedded in global supply chains.

Globally, over 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with 28 million in forced labour, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO). The Global Slavery Index indicates that G20 countries import $468 billion worth of at-risk products annually.