In the latest episode of Corrs’ Essential ESG podcast, Dr Phoebe Wynn‑Pope is joined by Dr James Cockayne, NSW Anti‑Slavery Commissioner, for a timely discussion on the State’s evolving approach to modern slavery risk management.

Phoebe and James explore the origins and mandate of the Commissioner’s role and unpack how NSW is operationalising mandatory modern slavery due diligence across more than 450 public sector entities. The Commissioner discusses the development of the reasonable steps framework, its alignment with global human rights standards, and what it means for government buyers and suppliers operating across high‑risk, complex supply chains.

The conversation also touches on insights from the Commissioners landmark monitoring probe into EVs and lithium‑ion battery procurement, including key findings, systemic issues identified in the reports, and the growing need for coordinated, whole‑of‑government capability to address modern slavery risks in critical supply chains.

This episode provides practical guidance for organisations navigating modern slavery obligations and highlights why modern slavery risk is increasingly a mainstream governance issue for both public and private sector entities.

In the latest episode of Corrs’ Essential ESG podcast, Lara Hall and Kate Gill‑Herdman discuss the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) updated guidance on sustainability collaborations.

They explore how the refreshed guidance – which includes newly developed modern slavery case studies – is designed to help businesses collaborate responsibly while navigating Australia’s competition laws and compliance obligations.

The conversation also highlights why collaboration is increasingly critical for identifying modern slavery risks across complex, multi‑layered supply chains. Lara and Kate unpack the practical considerations for organisations wanting to work together, the role of information‑sharing protocols, and the pathways available when more formal engagement with the ACCC is required.

In the latest episode of Corrs’ Essential ESG podcast, Dr Phoebe Wynn-Pope and Kate Gill-Herdman share insights from the 2025 United Nations Business and Human Rights Forum in Geneva.

This year’s forum theme ‘Accelerating action on business and human rights amidst crises and transformations’ sparked discussions on how businesses can scale up implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).

Phoebe and Kate explore key trends arising from discussions, including heightened human rights due diligence in conflict-affected and high-risk areas, the role of AI in supply chain risk management, and growing links between environmental and human rights accountability.