The 2024 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights, scheduled for 18 June in Sydney, will bring together industry leaders to discuss the evolving landscape of business and human rights in Australia. In this blog we examine this year’s theme, the revised format and the significance and impact of this event.

Background and Theme

Now in its eleventh year, the Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights brings together leaders from various sectors, including business, government, civil society, academia, and the investor community. The aim is to discuss emerging risks and opportunities while collaborating on the continued implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the UN Global Compact Ten Principles.

This year’s theme, Let’s talk about the ‘smart mix of measures’ here in Australia, focuses on exploring the regulatory framework relevant to business and human rights in Australia. Participants will consider the ideal 'smart mix of measures' to foster business respect for human rights.

Over the past five years, significant changes have occurred in the regulatory landscape concerning business and human rights. Globally, countries have adopted various measures, such as National Action Plans on Business and Human Rights, transparency regimes, due diligence requirements, and import bans. In Australia, the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act 2018 was introduced to help combat modern slavery. Additionally, other corporate accountability mechanisms have evolved, including the investigatory powers of the Australian Federal Police, directors' duties, and complaints mechanisms relating to workplace sexual harassment, along with the Australian National Contact Point (AusNCP) for broader business conduct accountability.

As a prelude to the 2024 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, the 2024 Dialogue will explore the existing regulatory framework in Australia and consider what the ideal smart mix of measures is to foster business respect for human rights.

Event Details

The 2024 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights will take place on 18 June 2024 at KPMG Sydney. The event will run from 8.30am to 6.30pm AEST, with the program starting at 9.00am and concluding with a Cocktail Reception from 5.00pm to 6.30pm.

Speakers include Kate Dundas, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network Australia (UNGCNA); Vanessa Zimmerman, Chair of Business and Human Rights at UN Global Compact Network Australia, CEO, Pillar Two; Luke Perritt, Lead of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) National Human Trafficking Coordination Team; and Fernanda Hopenhaym, Vice-Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights who will present the Keynote Address: The evolution of the smart mix: Progress at the international level and reflections for Australia

Revised Format

This year, the well-known debate will return, and the Dialogue will feature a revised format designed to be more interactive. Attendees will engage with each other and with key stakeholders across business, civil society, investors, government, and academia. To facilitate meaningful participation, agenda packs with discussion questions will be circulated 14 days in advance.

Significance and Impact

As Australian companies navigate various global standards and domestic accountability and reporting requirements, this event will serve as a forum for discussing these challenges and opportunities. The insights gained will be valuable in the lead-up to the 2024 UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva.

The 2024 Australian Dialogue on Business and Human Rights is a key event concerned with the intersection of business and human rights. With its interactive format and distinguished speakers, the Dialogue will provide a comprehensive exploration of Australia's regulatory framework and the ideal 'smart mix of measures' to promote business respect for human rights.

For more information, including the full program and list of speakers, please visit the Global Compact Network Australia website.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of an important conversation shaping the future of business and human rights in Australia.

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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.

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A participant in the UN Global Compact, CourtHeath seeks to raise awareness about the Sustainable Development Goals and the principles of the Global Compact with business and government organisations in Victoria.

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IMAGE: Used under licence from shutterstock.com

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