There are an estimated 50 million people experiencing modern slavery worldwide with an 41,000 people estimated to be enslaved in Australia and 16,400 in NSW.
Modern slavery refers to situations that a person cannot leave because they are forced, coerced or deceived into work through false promises, threats or violence. People can be enslaved in factories, on farms, construction sites and mines, and in service industries such as cleaning, hospitality and even health and aged-care.
Modern slavery also includes situations outside of the formal economy such as domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, trafficking for organ removal, forced marriage, forced begging, forced criminal activity and orphanage trafficking, to name a few.
Modern slavery is a serious abuse of human rights with long-lasting impacts on individuals, their families and communities.
The Australian Government has responded to modern slavery through a National Action Plan and the appointment of a Commonwealth Anti-slavery Commissioner. Large businesses and organisations must also comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 by assessing, addressing and reporting on the risks of modern slavery in operations and chains.
Our Response
Catholic Healthcare is committed to upholding the dignity of those who work with us either directly or indirectly. Catholic Healthcare is continually taking action to understand and address modern slavery risks to people in its supply chains and operations. We have appointed a Modern Slavery Working Group that continually implements steps to comply with Australia’s Modern Slavery Act (2018). These steps are documented in our annual Modern Slavery Statement, approved by our Board of Directors and reported to the Australian Government.
Supplier and Business Partners
Catholic Healthcare is committed to taking steps to ensure the safety, well-being and dignity of all workers and people in our operations and extended supply chains. We welcome the involvement of businesses, organisations and individuals whose commercial activities are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church and who share our commitment to ethical standards and social responsibility.
Catholic Healthcare participates in the Australian Catholic Anti-slavery Network (ACAN) alongside other Catholic organisations.
Catholic Healthcare is a member of the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX) platform and the Domus 8.7 Remediation Service.