The McGowan Government has formally advised the Commonwealth that Western Australia supports Australia ratifying the International Labour Organization (ILO) Protocol of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention.
The ILO Protocol is a significant international instrument aimed at eliminating modern slavery and other types of forced labour.
Australia's ratification of the ILO Protocol would contribute to the global fight against modern slavery, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
WA's support for ratification comes after the passage of the Industrial Relations Legislation Amendment Act 2021 late last year, which delivered on a 2021 election commitment to progress industrial relations reform.
When the new State employment laws commence in the coming months, protections for vulnerable workers will be enhanced and WA law will comply with the requirements of the ILO Protocol.
As stated by Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston:
"The International Labour Organization Forced Labour Protocol plays a valuable role in the fight against modern slavery.
"I'm pleased to confirm Western Australia's support for Australia's ratification of this important international protocol.
"The McGowan Government is strongly supportive of local and global efforts to fight against modern slavery in all its forms.
"Western Australia will soon comply with the protocol when new State employment laws commence.
"It's unfortunate the opposition didn't support the new laws earlier as they would have passed in 2020."
