EVENT CANCELLED:

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Dr James Cockayne is regretfully unable to present at the QUT Connections: a forum for bold ideas event this evening. Consequently, the event has been cancelled.

This information was sent to booking contacts on Tuesday; however, it has come to our attention that some registered guests were not notified.

We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience and hope to see you at QUT Connections events in 2024.

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Ending modern slavery: what climate action has taught us

With Australia’s first Anti-slavery Commissioner, Dr James Cockayne and QUT experts in justice, law and business research

From your mobile phone to your solar panels, from your blueberries to your retirement savings, goods and services we purchase are too often produced and distributed through slavery. Yet, few of us realise it. The UN estimates that there are 50 million people experiencing modern slavery today. What can we learn from climate action about working together to create the system change required to end modern slavery?

Join us for a 30 minute presentation from Dr James Cockayne, followed by panel discussion and Q&A with QUT researchers Erin O’Brien, Rowena Maguire and Bree Hurst

Dr Cockayne advocates for and promotes action to combat modern slavery, supports victims and works to identify modern slavery risks in supply chains. NSW was the first state or territory in Australia to introduce standalone legislation to address modern slavery, with Dr Cockayne the first commissioner appointed to the role on a full-time basis. Prior to his appointment, Dr Cockayne was an international lawyer, professor of global politics and anti-slavery leader. James has spent two decades promoting human rights and responsible business practices – from counter-terrorism work in Africa and the Middle East, to advising United Nations leaders in New York, Geneva and Tokyo. Over the last decade James’ efforts have focused on the global fight to end modern slavery. A former member of the World Economic Forum Global Futures Council for Equity and Social Justice, Dr Cockayne was a founder of Code 8.7, Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking and the United Nations’ anti-slavery knowledge platform, Delta 8.7.

Meet our experts

Associate Professor Erin O’Brien - Political scientist who supports the mobilisation of consumers, shareholders, and investors on social justice issues including modern slavery and climate change.
Professor Rowena Maguire – Environmental lawyer progressing supply chain reform to ensure that environmental and social impacts of consumption are regulated.
Associate Professor Bree Hurst – Social scientist who encourages organisations to critically examine, be accountable, and improve their impacts on society and the environment.

QUT research expertise

The QUT Centre for Justice is a think tank for social justice that aims to empower and enable citizens, consumers and communities through solutions-oriented research. Our vision is to democratise justice by improving opportunities for health and well-being and enhancing the inclusiveness of work and education while widening access to justice.

The QUT Centre for Decent Work & Industry seeks to explore experiences and systems of work and employment to advance social and economic inclusion and equality. This benefits individual workers, communities, organisations, and employers, and is critical for Australia’s social and economic wellbeing. Centre researchers focus on workers, organisations and industries at the local, national, and global level.

Share big ideas, invite conversations, and inspire curiosity

Contact the host of CANCELLED: QUT Connections: A forum for bold ideas with Dr James Cockayne, Anti-slavery Commissioner