• Section 1 - Summary
• Section 2 - TEQSA/ASQA/ESOS Alignment
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Definitions
• Section 5 - Policy Statement
• Section 6 - Procedures

Section 1 - Summary

(1) The Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) (Cth) (MS Act), requires businesses and organisations to identify and address their modern slavery risks, and to maintain responsible and transparent supply chains. Along with other Australian organisations Victoria University (VU) will be required to prepare an annual Modern Slavery Statement which will be made publicly available.   

(2) Modern slavery breaches the most fundamental freedoms and human rights of individuals. VU is committed to respecting human rights, acting ethically in our dealings with partners and suppliers, and taking real action to address any modern slavery risks within VU’s direct control. 

(3) The purpose of this Policy is to set out the principles VU commits to which will contribute to minimising the risks of modern slavery within our supply chains and operations.

Section 2 - TEQSA/ASQA/ESOS Alignment

(4)  Nil.

Section 3 - Scope

(5)  This Policy applies across VU, including:

1. all VU Staff; and,
2. all contractors, suppliers and other affiliates of VU.

Section 4 - Definitions

(6) Nil.

Section 5 - Policy Statement

(7)  VU is a reporting entity as defined in the MS Act and as such are required to comply with obligations under the MS Act, including, but not limited to, submitting an annual compliance statement.

(8) In the conduct of its activities and in managing its supply chain, VU holds itself to the highest ethical standards to minimise the risk of the practice of modern slavery, and is committed to ensuring:

1. All existing and new suppliers operate in full compliance with laws and regulations in the jurisdiction where the goods are sourced, procured or services are performed.  Suppliers must use best endeavours to ensure that there is no modern slavery practices in their supply chains and operations. Modern slavery may involve human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, forced labour, the sale or exploitation of children, debt-bonded labour or other exploitative practices, either directly or indirectly.
2. Its contractors suppliers, collaborators business partners and others with whom VU does business respect and share VU’s commitment with regard to minimising this risk.

(9) Giving effect to its obligations under the MS Act, VU will:

1. Undertake due diligence when engaging with contractors, suppliers, collaborators business partners and others with whom we engage so as to minimise the risk of modern slavery in VU’s supply chain.
2. Ensure that relevant policies, procedures, contracts and other internal documents effectively address and minimise the risk of modern slavery.
3. Apply a continuous improvement approach to how we minimise the risk of modern slavery practices within our supply chains and operations. 
4. Submit an annual compliance statement as required by the MS Act.

(10) VU will provide training to VU staff and promote awareness of modern slavery risks, the Modern Slavery Prevention Policy and our approach to minimising the risk of modern slavery within our supply chains and operation.

Section 6 - Procedures

(11) Nil.