Modern Slavery

What is Modern Slavery?

Modern slavery refers to situations where people are exploited and unable to refuse or leave their situation because of coercion, threats, deception or other forms of control. It can occur in many contexts and industries, including through forced labour, debt bondage, exploitation of migrant workers and the worst forms of child labour.

Modern slavery risks can occur in any sector or geography. For Western Sydney University, these risks may arise through our operations, partnerships and supply chains. Our greatest exposure is through our supply chain, particularly where there are complex or offshore supply chains, subcontracting, temporary or migrant workers, limited visibility of working conditions, or sourcing from higher-risk geographies.

International students are also recognised as a group that may be particularly vulnerable to modern slavery and other forms of exploitation. Risks may include deceptive recruitment practices, debt bondage, exploitation in casual or part-time employment, and uncertainty about workplace rights or how to safely raise concerns.

Our Commitment

Western Sydney University is committed to respecting human rights across our operations, partnerships and supply chains. Our approach recognises that universities can be exposed to modern slavery risks through the goods and services they procure, third-party service providers, research partnerships, student recruitment and investment activities.

In 2025, Western launched its first Human Rights Policy, reinforcing our commitment to respecting human rights and embedding human considerations into our decision making, stakeholder engagement and grievance mechanisms, operations, partnerships and supply chains. We take a continuous improvement approach to identifying, assessing and addressing modern slavery risks, while supporting the wellbeing, safety and rights of those who may be impacted.

What is Western Sydney University doing?

Western is taking action to identify and address modern slavery risks through four key areas:

1. Policies and Governance

Our response is supported by a policy and governance framework that establishes responsibilities for managing modern slavery and broader human rights risks. In 2025, we launched our Human Rights Policy and Sustainable Procurement Framework, which embeds modern slavery considerations into procurement planning and sourcing decisions.

2. Supplier Due Diligence

As many of our key modern slavery risks arise within our supply chain, supplier due diligence remains an important part of our approach. We apply risk-based due diligence measures, including the use Supplier Assessment Questionnaires enhanced due diligence activities for higher risk suppliers and procurement, and the inclusion of modern slavery obligations in contractual arrangements. As part of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, the University is implementing a new end-to-end procurement system that will provide greater visibility across our supplier base and strengthen oversight of supply chain risks. For higher-risk procurements, the University may also engage specialist advisory services to support due diligence activities and the assessment and management of modern slavery risks.

Our Sustainable Procurement Framework also requires sustainable procurement considerations to be included in tender evaluations for applicable procurements, with modern slavery risk mitigation able to be incorporated into contract performance standards and controls.

3. Training, Awareness and Student Support

In 2025, Western introduced modern slavery e-learning for staff involved in procurement activities, University Financial Delegates and International Students, raising awareness of modern slavery risks, indicators and available support pathways.

Mandatory completion was required for selected staff with procurement and financial delegation responsibilities, while the training remained available to all staff as an optional learning module.

The Justice Clinic also delivered Western's inaugural Anti-Slavery Student Ambassador Program, equipping 12 final-year law students with the knowledge and skills to raise awareness of modern slavery risks and available support services among their peers.

4. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

Western collaborates with universities, suppliers, government agencies and other stakeholders to share knowledge, build capability and strengthen approaches to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks. This includes participation in the Australian Universities Procurement Network and ongoing engagement with the NSW Anti-Slavery Commissioner and other relevant organisations.

Western will continue to strengthen its supplier due diligence activities, including increased supplier engagement, greater use of Supplier Assessment Questionnaires and enhanced risk assessment processes, supporting a more informed and risk-based approach to managing modern slavery risks within its supply chain.

What Should I Do?

Western takes a 'no wrong door' approach to modern slavery concerns. Staff, students and other members of the Western community can raise concerns through a range of reporting and support pathways, including in person or anonymously. Our approach prioritises listening, providing appropriate support and protecting the wellbeing and safety of victim-survivors.

If you or someone you know may be experiencing, or is at risk of, modern slavery, you can seek support through:

Whistleblowing and Other Reporting Pathways

Modern slavery concerns may also be raised through university reporting mechanisms, including those supported by the Whistleblowing Policy. Western maintains a range of avenues for staff, students and other stakeholders to raise concerns safely.

If there is an immediate emergency or someone is in immediate danger, call 000.

Western Sydney University's Justice Clinic

Western Sydney University's Justice Clinic offers a free legal advice and referral service to all domestic and international students at the University.

The Justice Clinic are available to be first responders for any students experiencing, or at risk of experiencing modern slavery, and to provide access to legal and non-legal support. Contact the Justice clinic via phone (02) 9685 4788 or email to:
studentlegalservices@westernsydney.edu.au.

The Justice Clinic has prepared some general advice for International Students regarding legalities and scams, which can be found here.

Student Support Services
Any student who is in need of counselling, welfare, or wellbeing services can find information on available services via the Student Support webpage.

Find out more

Western Sydney University's approach to addressing modern slavery is outlined in our Modern Slavery Statement and supported by our Human Rights Policy, Sustainable Procurement Framework and Modern Slavery Prevention Policy. If you would like more information on the University's approach to addressing Modern Slavery, please send your enquiry to:
anti-slavery@westernsydney.edu.au

Relevant WSU Resources

External Resources

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