Modern Slavery Statements: Don’t miss your reporting window

In Australia, regulators, customers, lenders and investors increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate how they identify and manage modern slavery risks within their operations and value chains.

In Australia, while entities above $100 million revenue must report under the Modern Slavery Act 2018, many organisations that fall below the threshold are now choosing to report voluntarily - not because they have to, but because the market expects it.

Timing is critical

Under Section 6 of the Act, voluntary registration must be completed before the end of the reporting period. Once registered, statements are due within six months and require Board approval.

For example, if your financial year ends 30 June, voluntary registration must be submitted by 30 June, with your statement due by 31 December.

Miss the window, and you may need to defer reporting until the next financial year.

Starting early allows leadership teams to assess risks, clarify ownership and prepare a credible, Board-ready position, rather than scrambling at deadline.

Why act early?

Organisations that take a proactive approach benefit from:

·         Stronger governance and Board oversight

·         Clear accountability across functions

·         Better visibility of enterprise-wide risks

·         Greater confidence for investors, customers and regulators

·         Brand and reputation protection

Done well, modern slavery reporting becomes more than compliance; it becomes a demonstration of leadership, transparency and responsible business practices.

Get the right support

Preparing a defensible statement requires coordination, evidence and clear ownership across the organisation. Delays often create unnecessary pressure and avoidable risk.

Partnering with experienced advisors helps you accelerate readiness, strengthen governance and deliver a credible outcome with confidence.

How Forvis Mazars Australia can help

We work alongside leadership teams to assess readiness, map risks and implement practical, audit-ready frameworks - from due diligence and governance design through to statement drafting and Board approval.

If your reporting deadline is approaching or you’re considering voluntary registration, now is the time to act. Speak to your usual Forvis Mazars advisor or contact our specialists via the form below to start your readiness assessment.

Published: 19/2/2026

Please note that this publication is intended to provide a general summary and should not be relied upon as a substitute for personal advice.

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