The Australian government is introducing stricter measures to combat modern slavery, requiring large companies with annual revenue over A$100 million to prevent exploitative practices.

These reforms follow US threats of tariffs on countries failing to address forced labour, with potential fines and criminal charges for non-compliance.The new laws aim to strengthen the 2018 Modern Slavery Act, which has been criticized for lacking penalties.

While the government claims these changes will align Australia with global efforts, experts argue the reforms need clearer guidelines on penalties and 'reasonable steps' to ensure effectiveness.The measures could impact international trade, potentially levelling the playing field with nations like the EU and Indonesia.

This development highlights ongoing concerns about worker exploitation in sectors such as construction, agriculture, and supply chains, emphasizing the need for corporate accountability.