2024 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights

Now in its eleventh year, the Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights convenes leaders from business, government, civil society, academia and the investor community to discuss emerging risks and opportunities, and to explore ways to collaborate on the continued implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the UN Global Compact Ten Principles.

Over the last five years, we have observed a significant amount of change in the regulatory landscape applicable to business and human rights. Around the world, many countries have progressed a variety of different measures, such as setting National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights, introducing transparency regimes, due diligence requirements and import bans. Here in Australia, our Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 has driven a significant amount of activity toward combatting modern slavery, while other corporate accountability mechanisms been introduced or evolved – including investigatory powers of the Australian Federal Police, directors’ duties and complaints mechanisms relating to workplace sexual harassment, and the Australian National Contact Point (AusNCP) for accountability on broader business conduct.

The result is that Australian companies are now considering how to meet various global standards as well as engage with several accountability and reporting requirements in Australia. As a prelude to the 2024 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, our 2024 Dialogue will explore the existing regulatory framework in Australia and consider: What is the ideal smart mix of measures in Australia to foster business respect for human rights?

The 2024 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights has been made possible with the kind support of KPMG, Qantas and Pillar Two.

The event will be held under the Chatham House rule.

Please note: UNGCNA participants are entitled to one complimentary ticket as part of their membership of the UN Global Compact Network Australia and the list will be reviewed to ensure eligibility. If participants would like to register any additional attendees, they will be required to purchase the additional tickets.