Essential ESG is a podcast series that breaks down topical issues affecting the rapidly evolving environmental, social and governance landscape in Australia and beyond. Presented by Corrs Chambers Westgarth, it offers bite-sized insights for business on navigating sustainability risks and opportunities.
In the latest episode of Corrs’ Essential ESG podcast, Dr Phoebe Wynn‑Pope is joined by Dr James Cockayne, NSW Anti‑Slavery Commissioner, for a timely discussion on the State’s evolving approach to modern slavery risk management.
Phoebe and James explore the origins and mandate of the Commissioner’s role and unpack how NSW is operationalising mandatory modern slavery due diligence across more than 450 public sector entities. The Commissioner discusses the development of the reasonable steps framework, its alignment with global human rights standards, and what it means for government buyers and suppliers operating across high‑risk, complex supply chains.
The conversation also touches on insights from the Commissioners landmark monitoring probe into EVs and lithium‑ion battery procurement, including key findings, systemic issues identified in the reports, and the growing need for coordinated, whole‑of‑government capability to address modern slavery risks in critical supply chains.
This episode provides practical guidance for organisations navigating modern slavery obligations and highlights why modern slavery risk is increasingly a mainstream governance issue for both public and private sector entities.