Business and Human Rights

The topic of business and human rights is gaining international momentum. Whilst governments primarily have the duty to protect and promote human rights, countries and companies around the world are increasing their efforts to ensure a basic duty to respect human rights. However, while the business narrative of aligning people, planet and profits should now be commonplace, this is not always accompanied by meaningful action. Too few are walking the talk, as we have seen from various Royal Commissions into the disability sector, aged care, and more. Th statistics and results have been alarming, with issues such as modern slavery, disability employment and care still remaining as a major challenge for Australia.

This session will bring together a group of academic experts from UTS who have been committed to, and specialised in, these areas for many years. Throughout the discussion, they will share with the audience their views on the recent review of Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, and what this means for corporate governance, the recent release of the Disability Royal Commission Report, and share their expertise on remediation and aggrievance mechanisms that can ensure the protection of those most vulnerable to our current system.

Guest speakers :

Professor Jennifer Burn, Founder and Director of Anti-Slavery Australia

Professor Simon Darcy, Professor in Management and works on projects related to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Australian Disability Strategy 2021-31, disability citizenship and person-centred approaches

Dr Alice Klettner, a Senior Lecturer with expertise in corporate governance and sustainability.