Modern Slavery Regime

Question

Senator CANAVAN: I know I'm probably asking you for an opinion there, sorry, so let put me it this way: before 12 March, had the US administration inquired about our forced-labour regime? Mr Mina: I'm a hundred per cent sure they will have been in contact with us over several years. As the minister has made clear, we have had a robust regime for several years, on which we will have consulted- Senator CANAVAN: I agree with you on that. Maybe there was a comment here or there, but was there any detailed attempt, any written communication, any formal request, to understand our regime on forced labour and modern slavery, prior to 12 March, to your knowledge? Mr Mina: I should be very clear here that these are matters on which the Attorney-General's portfolio leads. They'll be well placed to answer that question about the extent- Senator CANAVAN: Although investigations by the US would possibly come through you, even though you'd have to potentially- Mr Mina: That's unlikely in respect of the modern slavery regime. That would normally be- Senator CANAVAN: Maybe you could take it on notice. You might have to consult with other officials, but it will certainly be a cross-portfolio matter, I'd say. I'm sort of open ended there, but I'll simply ask for any communication from the US administration, between when President Trump's second term began and 12 March this year, on any request from them about details about our forced-labour regime.