Modern Slavery Statement for Landscapers Victoria

Landscapers Victoria is committed to ethical business practices and to preventing modern slavery in all forms within our operations and supply chains. This Modern Slavery Statement sets out the steps we take to identify, assess, and reduce the risk of forced labour, servitude, deceptive recruiting, debt bondage, and other exploitative practices. We recognise that landscaping projects can involve multiple layers of labour, transport, materials, and subcontracting, which is why we maintain a clear and proactive approach to compliance.

Our zero-tolerance policy applies to every part of the business, including employees, contractors, labour hire providers, and suppliers. We will not knowingly engage with any party that benefits from exploitation or that fails to meet our ethical standards. This commitment is embedded in procurement, onboarding, and project delivery, ensuring that Landscapers Victoria operates with integrity at every stage of work.

We expect all workers to be treated fairly, paid lawfully, and given freedom of movement and choice. Any indicators of coercion, withheld wages, identity document retention, unsafe living conditions, or threats of harm are treated as serious red flags. Where concerns arise, we act immediately to investigate and, if necessary, suspend or end the relationship.

Supplier Due Diligence and Audits

Supplier management is central to our approach. Before engagement, potential suppliers are assessed for ethical labour practices, business ownership, workforce arrangements, and compliance history. We seek assurances that suppliers share our values and can demonstrate responsible sourcing and employment practices. This includes reviewing their policies, asking targeted questions about labour recruitment, and requiring evidence of lawful and fair working conditions.

Ongoing supplier audits help us verify that expectations are being met after onboarding. These audits may include document checks, site visits, interviews, and reviews of subcontracting chains where relevant. We pay particular attention to high-risk inputs and services, such as imported materials, seasonal labour, cleaning, transport, and any work delivered through third-party labour arrangements. Findings are recorded, risks are ranked, and corrective actions are tracked to completion.

When a supplier is unable to meet our requirements, we may require an improvement plan, provide a short time frame for remediation, or discontinue the relationship. We view audits not as a one-off process, but as a practical tool for improving performance and preventing harm across the landscaping supply chain.

Reporting Channels and Worker Protection

We encourage anyone associated with the business to report concerns about unethical labour practices, unsafe conditions, or suspected modern slavery. Reports can be made through internal management channels, supervisory staff, or the designated compliance function. Concerns may be raised confidentially and, where appropriate, anonymously. We are committed to ensuring that no person suffers retaliation, disadvantage, or dismissal for speaking up in good faith.

Reporting concerns promptly allows us to take action before harm escalates. When a report is received, it is assessed carefully, documented, and investigated in a proportionate and timely way. If there is a credible risk to a worker, urgent steps are taken to protect that person and to preserve evidence. Where law enforcement, regulators, or specialist support services are needed, we cooperate fully and act responsibly.

We also communicate our expectations to workers and suppliers so they understand what modern slavery looks like and why it must never be tolerated. Training and awareness are used to build confidence in reporting and to promote ethical decision-making throughout the organisation.

Governance, Review, and Continuous Improvement

This statement is reviewed annually to ensure it remains effective, current, and aligned with legal obligations and operational changes. The review considers audit results, incident reports, supplier performance, recruitment practices, and any emerging sector risks. Lessons learned are used to strengthen controls and improve prevention measures over time.

Senior management holds responsibility for oversight, approval, and implementation of this statement. Progress is monitored through internal checks and documented actions, with accountability assigned where improvements are required. By combining governance, supplier audits, reporting channels, and a firm zero-tolerance stance, Landscapers Victoria aims to uphold dignity, fairness, and respect in every project we undertake.

We are dedicated to continuing this work and to making sure our modern slavery controls remain practical, transparent, and effective across our business and supply chain.