HSV modern slavery event provides practical tips to mitigate risk

HSV continues to support health services and suppliers to meet their obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), with around 130 people attending a recent online event Modern Slavery: Global perspectives and managing risk. 

The event featured speakers Serena Grant, Director of Walk Free and Kim Randle, CEO of Fair Supply, who provided a global perspective on modern slavery and useful tools attendees could use to identify and mitigate modern slavery risks.

“The speakers were well-received, and attendees have told us they found the practical tips provided in the presentation really useful,” says Chief Financial Officer John Delinaoum.  

According to Walk Free’s Global Slavery Index, approximately 41,000 people experience modern slavery in Australia, with our risk exposure increasing significantly through our global supply chains. Imported goods that have a high risk of involvement with modern slavery within their supply chain include textiles and garments (including PPE) and electronics.

HSV has introduced training and online resources to help health services and suppliers manage the risk of modern slavery within their supply chains.

“Suppliers tell us they are receiving queries from their other customers about how they are responding to modern slavery,” John says.

“They are appreciative of the work HSV is doing in this space as we’re providing resources they can use to show that they are taking steps to mitigate the risk of modern slavery across all aspects of their business.”  

Looking ahead, HSV is continuing its modern slavery information sessions. The regular monthly Community of Learning sessions continue for health services, with one held in late August. For HSV suppliers, engagement sessions are being hosted in August and September, with more than 150 suppliers already registered. 

As our health services are now mostly in their fourth round of reporting against the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), HSV’s focus is on supporting understanding that shows continuous improvement in modern slavery risk mitigation actions. If your health service would like to book in a 1:1 session with our Modern Slavery team, please contact your Customer Engagement Manager, or contact the Modern Slavery team at modernslavery@healthsharevic.org.au.