Labour has drafted legislation to stop modern slavery because the Government once again is breaking its promises.

“The Prime Minister said he would march in the street against modern slavery and yet 18 months into Government, he has failed to take any meaningful action or show any leadership,” Labour MP Camilla Belich said.

“My Modern Slavery Bill takes a comprehensive approach to addressing modern slavery, will create an Anti-Slavery Commissioner and require entities to report on how they identify and stop modern slavery from happening.

“Labour will tackle the exploitation of people in our country and abroad. The bill sets out clear steps for New Zealand to take a stand against modern slavery, it’s well overdue.

“Last year Chris Hipkins wrote to Christopher Luxon offering bipartisan agreement on the issue – but there has been no response so Labour is taking action.

“It seems the coalition Government is comfortable with modern slavery happening in New Zealand and in our supply chains.

“Not only does it show where National’s moral compass really is, it also puts at risk our free trade agreements with the UK and the EU where we signed up to take action.

“I would like to acknowledge the work of the Modern Slavery and Trafficking Expert Practitioners Group (MSTEP), who worked to draft this Bill as something all parties could get behind.

“If we do not act, we risk being left behind by other countries that are already putting in place measures to combat modern slavery. This Government should put its money where its mouth is and do what’s best for people and business,” Camilla Belich said.

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