1. Introduction

This statement is published in accordance with Section 13 of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Act) and is the fourth statement for Meat and Livestock Australia Group (MLA) which includes its subsidiaries, MLA Donor Company (MDC) and Integrity Systems Company (ISC).

MLA and its subsidiaries are committed to strengthening our work in this area year on year.

MLA has a zero-tolerance approach towards any conduct that may constitute modern slavery and expects commitment to the principles set out in our Code of Conduct by all organisations with which we do business with.

We will not support or do business with any individual or organisation that is knowingly involved in modern slavery practices.

Our commitment

MLA recognises that it has a responsibility under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and is committed to preventing slavery and human trafficking in our business and supply chain.

The purpose of this statement is to present MLA’s actions in understanding potential modern slavery risks related to its business, and in developing steps that are aimed at ensuring it has robust frameworks and processes in place to minimise the risk of modern slavery in its own operations and supply chains.

2. We do the right thing

Integrity is at the heart of everything we do in our dealing with governments, members, customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Acting ethically, with integrity and fairness, is at the core of what we stand for.

We make sure our personal, business, financial and other interests don’t conflict with, or have the potential to conflict with our work duties or the best interests of MLA Group. By complying with our Conflicts of Interest Policy and our Procurement Policy, we agree to:

• act in the best interest of MLA Group at all times
• disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest
• avoid any dealings or relationships that may create a conflict with our obligations to MLA Group
• excuse ourselves from any decision making that may be, or perceived by others to be, a conflict of interest
• not take advantage of our positions or the opportunities arising from them, including the use of information from MLA Group for personal gain or by passing information to others
• disclose conflicts of interest involving the potential employment or engagement of a relative, close friend or associate, and develop a strategy with my manager to manage the conflict
• make sure we know, understand and act within our delegated authority as outlined in the Delegation of Authority Policy.

We always act with honesty and integrity, so we have zero tolerance for any form of fraud, bribery or corruption directly or indirectly. We expect third parties acting on our behalf to do the same.

As a matter of principle, we don’t solicit or accept gifts and gratuities. However, we understand that small tokens of goodwill may be exchanged, and that from time to time you may be invited to attend an event because of your job. We need to make sure we comply with our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy and exercise caution when offering or accepting gifts and/or hospitality to ensure it isn’t perceived as improperly influencing a business outcome.

We:

• do not solicit or accept any form of gift, service, hospitality (including cash) that may influence or appear to influence a business decision
• never offer or make any payments in money, product or services for an improper business advantage or to any foreign government official directly or indirectly in return for favourable treatment or to affect any government decision
• make sure we know, understand and act in accordance with our Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy
• exercise the highest standard of care in preparing financial reports on our activities to provide accurate, timely and clearly understandable disclosures on our activities to members, other stakeholders and to government
• accurately represent all material financial information disclosed in the company’s accounts and no information is concealed from MLA’s internal or external auditors.
• No political contributions may be made by MLA. MLA may, on approval by the Managing Director, make gifts or payments to governments, government agencies or registered organisations in support of humanitarian, athletic and/or civic causes if such gifts are for the benefit of the red meat industry.
• We’re committed to operating responsibly and establishing and adhering to the highest ethical standards and operating without infringing on human rights.
• We must act as if we are in a partnership with our customers, members and industry stakeholders for our mutual long term benefit. We are committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and recognise our role in dealing effectively and appropriately with the communities in which we operate.
• We don’t tolerate the use of child labour or any forms of modern slavery or human trafficking in our business or supply chains. We have implemented due diligence processes which enable MLA to assess modern slavery risks in our supply chains, as well as to report and remediate as necessary where modern slavery practices are identified.
• We have a shared responsibility for the protection of the environment, and we always strive to minimise our environmental footprint through sustainable management and use of our resources.

3. We’re good to each other

Maintaining a safe and inclusive working environment where we treat each other with dignity and respect is fundamental. We promote diversity and inclusion, and we’re respectful and fair in the way we work with our colleagues, members, industry stakeholders, customers, suppliers and communities in which we operate.

We do not tolerate unlawful harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying, vilification and victimisation. We all have a role to play in maintaining a workplace that is free of these behaviours. If we see these behaviours, we call it out.

We comply with our Workplace Bullying, Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policy and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy by:

• living our values
• not engaging in any conduct that is unlawful or inconsistent with this policy
• promptly completing training on the subject when directed
• raising concerns or suspected breaches with your leader and supporting their resolution
• addressing and not ignoring behaviour that is inconsistent with this policy, whether that conduct is directed at us or someone else.