Newsable: What’s next for issue PM Chris Luxon ‘would march in the streets’ for?
Wednesday, 14 February 2024
Questions are being asked about Government efforts to crack down on modern slavery
It’s a subject PM Chris Luxon said he’d “march in the streets” for
A proposed law change was introduced last year, but in a statement to Newsable a minister, confirmed “Cabinet is yet to consider next steps on this work.”
There are question marks hanging over efforts to crack down on modern slavery in New Zealand, with the future of legislation drafted by the previous Labour Government up in the air.
A proposed law change was introduced last year, so organisations with over $20 million in annual revenue would need to publicly report on what they were doing to address exploitation risks in their operations and supply chains.
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At the time, the National Party agreed modern slavery 'must be urgently addressed', and in an interview with RNZ in June 2022, then Leader of the Opposition, Christopher Luxon, revealed it was an issue he would march in the streets for.
“Something I feel very passionate about is modern slavery… that’s something that I think we could do a better job of”, he said.
But in a statement to Newsable, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden, confirmed “Cabinet is yet to consider next steps on this work.”
“All workers deserve a safe and dignified working environment. Modern slavery practices are criminalised in New Zealand and I expect all businesses to comply with the law, and ensure they’re taking part in responsible business conduct”, she maintained.
“Progressing the previous Government’s legislative proposals is not part of the 100 day plan.”
Employment law advocate May Moncur, who specialises in migrant issues, told Newsable any law change can’t be “lip service” or “plastic surgery.”
“This is not an employment matter alone. This is immigration fraud, exploitation, tax evasion, and simply just eroding our freedom and democracy”, she said.
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