The New Zealand Association of Rationalists and Humanists has made a submission on the Modern Slavery Bill currently before Parliament. We welcome the Bill as an important first step toward greater transparency and accountability around modern slavery and exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand. While many people think of slavery as something that happens overseas, credible allegations and legal proceedings involving organisations such as Gloriavale show that coercive and exploitative labour practices can and do occur here in New Zealand. With an estimated 8,000 people affected in New Zealand, we believe this legislation matters because it begins to shine a light on exploitation that is too often hidden from public view.

In our submission, we support stronger reporting requirements but argue that the Bill does not go far enough to ensure action is taken where exploitation is identified. We have called for lower reporting thresholds, the inclusion of high-control organisations operating significant commercial enterprises in New Zealand, the removal of exemptions for Government agencies, and stronger enforcement measures including an Anti-Slavery Commissioner. We also urge the inclusion of forced and child marriage within the definition of modern slavery.