I am honoured to be joining the UK delegation of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) looking into modern slavery.

Along with other Committee members, I will be attending a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK workshop looking at how nations in the Asia Pacific region can work together to combat modern slavery.

Earlier this year the JSCFADT began its inquiry into the impact of modern slavery in Australia and whether we need to introduce a Modern Slavery Act here, similar to that enacted in the UK.

Australia is committed to combatting human trafficking and slavery and therefore it is important we investigate what role Australia is playing on a global level.

The Asia Pacific region has the highest reported incidence of human trafficking, forced labour and child labour.

As part of the delegation, I will be investigating the prevalence of modern slavery in the supply chains of companies, businesses and organisations operating in Australia, learning about best practice examples employed by governments, companies, businesses and organisations to prevent modern slavery in domestic and global supply chains.

I will be in the UK on Anzac Day and will be taking the opportunity to raise the profile of our Indigenous Diggers when I attend Anzac commemorations in London. I will be visiting memorials for Indigenous Diggers outside of London to pay my respects.