Media Release

18 February 2021

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NSW Labor has successfully censured the Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council Don Harwin for failing to proclaim the Modern Slavery Act.

More than two years after the legislation passed the Parliament in 2018, the Government continues to delay bringing this law into force. It follows a recommendation from the Standing Committee on Social Issues that the Act should have commenced on 1 January 2021.

Labor Leader in the Legislative Council Adam Searle said it goes against the will of the Parliament and community expectations.

“This is a significant piece of legislation. It passed both houses of Parliament with bipartisan support and needs to become law.

“It provides important protections and helps us tackle modern slavery across the supply chain. We could have been a world leader in modern slavery protection. Instead we’re left without a State law.

“Every day this law sits idle is a day society’s most vulnerable are at risk.

“Today Parliament sent the Government a message that there is no excuse for inaction and the Act must be implemented without further delay” — Adam Searle MLC, Labor Leader in the Legislative Council

A censure is a formal condemnation by the Parliament, and among the most serious levers Opposition has to hold the Government to account. It was passed today by a margin of 24 votes to 17.