One of the world's largest food and drink companies has warned proposed legislation requiring big business to report on their efforts to combat modern slavery could hit consumers' hip pockets.
Companies operating in Australia with an annual turnover of $100 million or more would be required to annually report on the risks of modern slavery within their business and the actions they've taken to address those risks under the federal government's draft Modern Slavery Bill 2018.
Nestle has warned customers could face additional costs if Australia requires companies to report on modern slavery risks. Photo: AFP
The reports would have to cover issues related to human trafficking, slavery, sexual servitude and child labour within businesses' operations and supply chains.
Nestle, owner of more than 2000 brands in 189 countries, has told a senate committee that Australia's proposed mandatory reporting requirements could add "cost and time" to businesses and suppliers "which will need to be borne somewhere".
The company noted Australia's proposed reporting requirements would "go significantly beyond those of the UK Act", which only encourages businesses to report against similar criteria.
ghotier on September 4th, 2018 at 17:19 UTC »
I’m, okay. I’d gladly pay more to make sure your company isn’t using slavery. Or I’ll get products from a competitor who finds avoiding slavery less of a burden.
hixchem on September 4th, 2018 at 16:07 UTC »
"If you make us tell you about slavery in our supply chains, we'll charge you more money!"
_chriscamel1982 on September 4th, 2018 at 16:04 UTC »
Nestle works with suppliers who don’t pay or provide little compensation to their “employees”, been this way for years.
When it comes time to owning up to it, they say stuff like this, no surprise.
Yup, we use them, you want it to change, it’s gonna cost you.