Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is when a person is exploited and cannot refuse or leave because of threats, coercion, deception, abuse of power or control.

It can include human trafficking, forced labour, servitude, forced marriage, debt bondage and deceptive recruitment.

Modern slavery can happen in Australia and overseas. It may also be linked to everyday goods and services, including clothing, food, electronics and cleaning or labour services.

Why it matters

Modern slavery is a serious human rights issue.

Universities have a responsibility to understand and reduce modern slavery risks in their operations, supply chains, research, investments and partnerships.

Students, staff and members of the public may also need information about workplace rights, exploitation, unsafe work or how to access support.

What the University is doing

Charles Sturt University is committed to respecting human rights and reducing the risk of modern slavery.

We do this by:

  • publishing a Modern Slavery Statement
  • reviewing modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chains
  • working with suppliers to improve awareness and accountability
  • supporting ethical procurement and responsible investment practices
  • providing information to students and staff about workplace rights and protections
  • improving awareness of how to identify and respond to modern slavery risks

Know the signs

Modern slavery can be hard to identify. A person may be at risk if they:

  • cannot freely leave work or accommodation
  • seem fearful, anxious or intimidated
  • are being threatened, controlled or monitored
  • are working in unsafe or exploitative conditions
  • are not being paid properly
  • have had identity documents taken away
  • are living in poor or overcrowded conditions

Access support and resources

If someone is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).

  • Know your workplace rights: access information from the Fair Work Ombudsman about pay, conditions, payslips, unpaid trials and visa-related work rights.
  • International student rights: access information from Study Australia and the Department of Education in different languages.
  • Get student support: contact Charles Sturt student support services if you are worried about your safety, work conditions or wellbeing.
  • Report a concern: contact the University if you are worried about exploitation, unsafe work or modern slavery risks connected to the University.
  • Read our Modern Slavery Statement: learn about the University’s commitments and the steps we are taking to prevent modern slavery.
  • Access procurement and supplier guidance: read our procurement policies and ethical sourcing guidelines for working with suppliers responsibly.
  • Complete training and awareness: build your understanding by completing modern slavery awareness training.
  • Report a concern: submit a confidential or anonymous report if you are worried about exploitation, unsafe work or modern slavery risks connected to the University.
  • Read the Modern Slavery Statement: understand Charles Sturt’s expectations for ethical practice.
  • Support responsible supply chains: respond to University requests for information about modern slavery risks, labour practices and worker protections.
  • Report concerns: contact the University if you identify a possible modern slavery risk connected to University work, services or supply chains.
  • Read the Modern Slavery Statement: understand Charles Sturt’s expectations for ethical practice.
  • Report concerns: contact the University if you identify a possible modern slavery risk connected to University work, services or supply chains.

Key documents and more information