Understanding risks. Supporting suppliers. Protecting people.

The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) is committed to promoting human rights, ethical business practices and responsible procurement across its operations and supply chains.

Modern slavery can occur in any industry, country or supply chain. UniSC recognises that identifying and addressing these risks requires ongoing awareness, collaboration and engagement with suppliers.

We seek to work constructively with our suppliers to improve understanding, strengthen responsible business practices and support the prevention of worker exploitation.

This page provides practical information, guidance, training resources and reporting pathways to support modern slavery awareness and responsible supply chain practices.

Explore Modern Slavery Resources

• Understand Modern Slavery – Learn about risks, warning signs and why modern slavery matters.
• Know Your Supply Chain – Understand your suppliers, subcontractors and potential risks.
• Training and Resources – Access free training, practical tools and specialist guidance.

Report a Concern – Find the appropriate reporting pathway and support options. For procurement or supply chain related concerns contact [email protected].

Understanding Modern Slavery

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery refers to situations of serious exploitation where coercion, threats or deception are used to exploit people and undermine their freedom.

Modern slavery encompasses a range of practices, including:

• Forced labour: Work or services undertaken involuntarily under the threat of a penalty.
• Debt bondage: Situations where a person is required to work to repay a debt under exploitative conditions.
• Human trafficking: The recruitment, transportation or harbouring of people for the purpose of exploitation.
• Servitude: Situations involving significant restrictions on personal freedom and the ability to leave.
• Forced marriage: Marriage entered into without free and full consent.
• The worst forms of child labour: Including slavery, trafficking and hazardous exploitation of children.

Modern slavery can occur in both domestic and international supply chains, including through labour hire, subcontracting, manufacturing, construction, cleaning, agriculture, information technology and other industries.

Recognising potential warning signs

Indicators of modern slavery may include:

• Workers experiencing threats, intimidation or coercion.
• Workers having their identity documents withheld.
• Excessive working hours or restrictions on freedom of movement.
• Workers being required to repay excessive recruitment fees or debts.
• Workers being unable to leave their employment freely.
• Unsafe working or living conditions.
• Workers being prevented from communicating independently or raising concerns.

The presence of an indicator does not necessarily establish that modern slavery is occurring. However, it may warrant further consideration or appropriate reporting.

Learn more:

• Australian Government – Modern Slavery
• Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner
• Australian Red Cross – Modern Slavery Resources

Training and Resources

Building awareness and capability

Education and awareness are important components of responsible supply chain management.

UniSC supports access to publicly available training, guidance and practical resources developed by government agencies and recognised specialist organisations.

These resources can assist suppliers, staff, students and other interested parties to understand modern slavery, recognise potential risks and take appropriate action.

• Access ACRATH – Educating for Change
• Access Australian Government Business Resources
• Access Australian Red Cross Resources
• Access Getting the Balance Right – Modern Slavery Due Diligence and SMEs
• Access the Business Collaboration Hub
• Access Queensland Government Supplier Capability Resources
• Access Commonwealth Modern Slavery Procurement Guidance

Where should I start?

If your organisation is new to modern slavery risk management, the following learning pathway may be helpful:

1. Build your awareness: Complete introductory learning through ACRATH – Educating for Change.
2. Understand your obligations and risks: Review the Australian Government's Modern Slavery Business Resources.
3. Consider practical due diligence: Explore the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner's SME Guidance.
4. Strengthen your approach: Use the Business Collaboration Hub to explore further tools and collaborative approaches.

These resources provide a starting point for developing an approach proportionate to your organisation's circumstances.

Reporting Modern Slavery Concerns

UniSC is committed to maintaining high standards of ethics, integrity and responsible procurement across its operations and supply chains.

If you are a UniSC supplier, staff member, student or member of the community and you observe, suspect or have concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking in UniSC's operations or supply chains, we encourage you to report your concerns.

Procurement and supply chain concerns

For procurement or supply-chain-related modern slavery concerns, please contact: [email protected].

Public Interest Disclosures

Where the concern may involve serious wrongdoing, corrupt conduct, maladministration, reprisal or another matter that may be a Public Interest Disclosure, reports may also be made in accordance with UniSC's Public Interest Disclosures – Procedures.

These procedures outline applicable reporting arrangements and disclosure pathways.

What information should I provide?

When making a report, please include as much relevant information as possible, including:

• What happened and when it occurred.
• Where the incident or concern arose.
• Who may have been involved or affected.
• Whether there were witnesses.
• Any available supporting information.

You do not need to investigate a concern yourself before reporting it.

Immediate danger or urgent assistance

If someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services on 000.

For additional information about modern slavery and available support services, visit:

Australian Red Cross – Modern Slavery Resources

Our Modern Slavery Statements

UniSC publishes annual Modern Slavery Statements outlining its approach to identifying, assessing and addressing modern slavery risks within its operations and supply chains.

These statements provide information about the University's activities, risk management approaches and ongoing efforts to strengthen responsible procurement practices.

Published Modern Slavery Statements

• Modern Slavery Statement December 2020 (PDF 428KB)
• Modern Slavery Statement December 2021 (PDF 455KB)
• Modern Slavery Statement December 2022 (PDF 261KB)
• Modern Slavery Statement December 2023 (PDF 171KB)
• Modern Slavery Statement December 2024 (PDF 2.2MB) 
• Modern Slavery Statement December 2025 (PDF 2.2MB)

Legislation and Additional Guidance

Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018

The Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 establishes modern slavery reporting requirements for entities meeting the applicable reporting criteria.

View the Modern Slavery Act 2018 – Federal Register of Legislation

Australian Government – Modern Slavery

The Australian Government provides information on modern slavery reporting requirements, guidance and supporting resources.

Visit the Australian Government Modern Slavery website

Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner

The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner supports improved responses to modern slavery, including awareness, prevention and collaboration.

Visit the Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner

Queensland Government – Procurement Resources

Queensland Government procurement resources provide information and guidance relevant to responsible purchasing and supplier practices.

Visit Queensland Government Procurement