The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner

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The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner is an independent statutory office holder established under the Modern Slavery Act 2018. The inaugural Commissioner is Chris Evans, appointed on 7 November 2024 for a five-year term. The Commissioner’s statutory functions include promoting compliance, supporting entities to address risk, supporting collaboration, conducting research and advocating to government.

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he Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner now sits at the centre of Australia’s modern slavery framework.

For organisations, the Commissioner matters for three reasons.

First, the office helps shape what good practice looks like in reality, not just in theory.
Second, it provides a focal point for guidance, collaboration and public leadership.
Third, it is already influencing the reform conversation about what stronger modern slavery regulation in Australia should look like.

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Who the Commissioner is

The inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner is Mr Chris Evans. The office was established under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 and is intended to work across government, business, civil society and people with lived experience to address modern slavery in Australia.

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What section 20C covers

Under section 20C, the Commissioner’s functions include:

• promoting compliance with the Modern Slavery Act

• supporting entities to address modern slavery risks in operations and supply chains

• supporting collaboration and engagement across sectors

• supporting victims through information and guidance

• supporting education and awareness

• supporting and conducting research

• collecting, analysing and disseminating information

• consulting with governments, agencies and organisations

• advocating to the Commonwealth Government on matters relating to modern slavery

• advising the Minister when requested

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Why this matters to business

The Commissioner is not just symbolic. The office is helping define the policy direction of Australia’s modern slavery response.

In January 2026, the Commissioner’s office published an initial position paper recommending a mandatory risk-based modern slavery due diligence obligation for reporting entities and a mechanism to declare certain products, services or industries as high risk.

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Next Steps:

Need a practical view of reform risk?
ESG Impact helps boards, legal teams and procurement leaders interpret reform developments and translate them into proportionate, workable action.

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