Australia Faces Backlash Over Imports Linked to Uyghur Forced Labour

AU
Published:

Australia has been criticized for importing thousands of goods from eight companies blacklisted by the United States for their alleged connections to forced labor involving Uyghur workers. A recent investigation by The Guardian revealed that since 2020, Australian importers submitted 3,347 declarations citing these companies as suppliers. The alarming findings have ignited outrage within the Uyghur community, especially as many of their relatives face persecution in China’s Xinjiang region.

The country's newly appointed anti-slavery commissioner, Chris Evans, emphasized the "inadequacy" of Australia’s existing forced labor laws, urging for a swift governmental response. Evans stated that this situation highlights significant gaps in how Australia addresses modern slavery in supply chains, calling for clearer guidelines to help businesses avoid complicity in human rights abuses.

Despite proposals for a ban on imports tied to forced or child labor, Australia has not enacted such measures, even as imports from the blacklisted firms surged following the introduction of U.S. restrictions. The goods imported include a diverse range of products, such as components for car batteries, safety gear, spices, and laser printers.

The Australian Border Force has not disclosed the names of the importers involved, leaving consumers uninformed about products associated with forced labor. Advocacy groups are urging the government to take a more proactive stance in combating modern slavery instead of relying solely on civil society and consumers to drive change.

As discussions around enhancing the Modern Slavery Act continue, the reforms aim to provide better support for businesses while also identifying high-risk categories in need of scrutiny.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Australia

Man Acquitted of Rape Charges Due to 'Sexsomnia' Defense in Sydney Court

Timothy Malcolm Rowland, a 40-year-old man diagnosed with "sexsomnia," was acquitted of raping a woman in his Sydney apartment in August 2022. Rowland had claimed that he was experiencing a medical episode characterized by sexual behavior during sleep at the time of the incident. The jury reached the not guilty verdict after a seven-day trial, during which Judge John Pickering emphasized that the court should not determine criminal liability based on actions performed while unconscious. The case stemmed from an evening where Rowland and the woman spent time together before returning to his apartment. Following their night out, the woman fell asleep in Rowland's bed, and she alleged that she awoke to find him engaging in sexual activity without her consent. While the woman's sleep was undisputed, the central issue for the jury was whether Rowland was genuinely unaware of his actions due to his condition at the time. Judge Pickering cautioned the jurors against creating laws regarding unconscious actions and urged them to focus solely on the evidence presented in court.
AU

Queensland's Ban on Puberty Blockers Sparks Controversy Over Youth Health

The Queensland government has announced a ban on puberty blockers for new patients at the state's only gender clinic, a move criticized as "discriminatory" by LGBTQI advocates and health officials. Anna Cody, Australia's sex discrimination commissioner, warned that the decision could harm the physical and mental wellbeing of children seeking gender-affirming care, stating it may create trauma for those awaiting treatment. Health Minister Tim Nicholls explained that the ban will remain until an independent review of puberty blockers and hormone therapy is completed, prompted by concerns over inadequate medical support at the Cairns Sexual Health Service. The local health authority confirmed an internal review identified "process issues" but found no evidence of patient harm. Rachel Hines, CEO of Open Doors Youth Service, echoed concerns, highlighting that the ban disproportionately affects trans youth who require life-saving medication. Although children can still receive puberty blockers for other medical conditions, approximately 491 individuals on the waiting list for gender dysphoria treatment may face significant delays. The Australian Human Rights Commission is expected to engage with the state government regarding these concerns.
AU

Australian Parents and Religious Sect Members Guilty of Manslaughter in Child's Death

The parents of eight-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs and 12 other members of their religious sect have been found guilty of her manslaughter after they withheld necessary medical treatment. Elizabeth passed away on January 7, 2022, in Toowoomba, Queensland, following six days without insulin, essential for managing her type 1 diabetes. According to the trial proceedings, the group, which has been labeled a cult by some, intentionally denied Elizabeth her medication, believing divine intervention would save her. Those convicted include Elizabeth's father, Jason Struhs, 53, her mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, 49, and sect leader, Brendan Luke Stevens, 63. Initially charged with murder, the defendants were found guilty of manslaughter due to a lack of evidence proving reckless indifference to life, as stated by Queensland Supreme Court Judge Martin Burns. Elizabeth’s sister, Jayde Struths, criticized the system for failing to protect her sibling, emphasizing that more action should have been taken to ensure her safety. All 14 defendants have been remanded in custody pending sentencing on February 11, 2025, and could face life in prison.
AU
All Australia News ->