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New Travel Collaboration Targets Modern Slavery Head-On

The Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) is calling on travel businesses, large and small, to join the newly launched ATIA Modern Slavery Collaboration (AMSC), a collective effort to tackle one of the most complex and pressing ethical issues in our global supply chains.

Modern slavery exists in many forms and can be difficult to detect, particularly in complex international travel supply networks. Through the AMSC, members can strengthen their ability to assess and address these risks while learning from peers and global and local experts.

This Collaboration (https://atia.travel/Modern-Slavery) builds on the trailblazing work of Intrepid Travel and Flight Centre, who in July 2023 became the inaugural members of an industry-first supply chain consortium focused on identifying, measuring, and mitigating modern slavery risks across the tourism supply chain. That initiative was the first major collaboration of its kind and laid the foundation for this broader, industry-wide movement.

Under Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018, entities with annual consolidated revenue of over AU$100 million are required to submit an annual Modern Slavery Statement to the Attorney-General’s Department. These statements must address seven mandatory criteria, including the risks of modern slavery in operations and supply chains, actions taken to assess and address those risks, and how the effectiveness of these actions is being evaluated. While smaller businesses are not legally obligated to report, many choose to engage voluntarily to strengthen ethical standards, meet client expectations, and contribute to sector-wide improvement.

Announced at ATIA’s Beyond Borders Summit in October 2024, the AMSC forms part of ATIA’s Project A30 transformation. The program offers participants tailored pathways for both entities that are required to submit Modern Slavery Statements and those that are not yet obligated but want to proactively engage with the issue.

The first full meeting of the Collaboration is scheduled for 29 September. To get involved or register as an Observer, visit https://atia.travel/Modern-Slavery

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO BRETT MITCHELL, MANAGING DIRECTOR ANZ, INTREPID TRAVEL AND ATIA DIRECTOR:
“Modern slavery has no place in our industry, but the reality is that tourism supply chains are complex and often opaque. That’s why we launched the consortium because we know real change happens when the industry works together. We’re proud to see others joining this effort and look forward to building a more ethical, transparent future for travel.”

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO GRAHAM ‘SKROO’ TURNER, CEO, FLIGHT CENTRE AND ATIA VICE CHAIR:
“Flight Centre was proud to help establish the original consortium, and we fully support this next evolution under ATIA’s leadership. Collaboration is the key to ensuring we are not only compliant, but actively improving how we do business, so we protect the people behind our supply chains.”

QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO DEAN LONG, CEO, ATIA:
“Our industry has a responsibility to lead on issues that affect human rights and ethical supply chains. The ATIA Modern Slavery Collaboration will make it easier for businesses—large and small—to meet obligations, improve transparency and work together to build a more just, accountable travel industry.”