Commitment to Ethical Standards
Modern slavery is an umbrella term used to describe exploitative practices including human trafficking, slavery, and slavery-like practices such as servitude, forced labour, and debt bondage. Pursuant to the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth), Saltec Pty Ltd (“Saltec”) is committed to proactively identifying and addressing modern slavery risks in our operations and supply chain. As such, we have prepared this Supplier Code of Conduct (“Code”).
Saltec is committed to the lawful and socially responsible engagement of human labour, and we require the same standards of our suppliers. Saltec views its suppliers as partners and expects them to uphold ethical business practices when providing goods and services. Suppliers must review this Code and ensure that relevant areas of their business and supply chain meet Saltec’s requirements.
1. Application of this Code
Saltec seeks to work with its suppliers to meet and exceed minimum requirements as outlined
in this Code. This Code applies to all suppliers, their related entities, and subcontractors who
support them in supplying services to Saltec.
All existing and new suppliers must commit to this Code. Suppliers must communicate this Code
to their related entities and any suppliers and subcontractors to ensure an entire supply chain
understanding of, and compliance with, the Code.
2. Labour and Human Rights
2.1 Ethical Labour Practices:
Saltec believes that all workers in its supply chains deserve to be treated with dignity and respect in compliance with Commonwealth Workplace Laws.
2.2 Protection of Vulnerable Workers:
Saltec acknowledges that some workers, due to factors such as age, experience, and
immigration status, may be at greater risk of exploitation. Suppliers must ensure that such
workers are aware of their rights under applicable laws and protected from mistreatment.
2.3 Anti-Discrimination:
Suppliers must not discriminate against any worker based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender,
marital status, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, union
membership, or any other status protected by law in hiring, employment, or worker
engagement practices.
2.4 Anti-Harassment:
Suppliers must commit to a work environment free from bullying, harassment, victimisation,
and abuse, including verbal, physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.
2.5 Prevention of Involuntary and Underage Labour:
Suppliers must:
• Ensure all work is undertaken voluntarily without coercion.
• Not use any form of forced, bonded, or indentured labour.
• Engage only workers who are of the applicable minimum legal age.
2.6 Grievance Mechanisms:
Suppliers must establish accessible and anonymous grievance mechanisms that allow workers
to report concerns about unethical labour practices, including modern slavery. Suppliers must
investigate complaints and take appropriate remedial action.
2.7 Worker Oversight and Subcontractor Compliance:
Suppliers must:
• Ensure that third-party subcontractors, including labour service providers, comply with
Commonwealth Workplace Laws and this Code.
• Not disguise employment relationships as independent contracting arrangements.
• Implement supply chain governance processes to ensure workers are lawfully engaged.
2.8 Working Hours, Wages, and Benefits :
Suppliers must:
• Follow all applicable laws regarding wages, working hours, and workers’ compensation
insurance.
• Ensure workers receive their legally mandated wages, benefits, superannuation, and
leave entitlements.
• Pay workers in a timely manner without using wage deductions as a disciplinary
measure.
3. Health and Safety
Saltec requires suppliers to provide a healthy and safe work environment for all workers and
integrate sound health and safety management practices into their businesses.
3.1 Workplace Health and Safety Compliance:
Suppliers must:
• Comply with all applicable workplace health and safety laws.
• Manage occupational health and safety hazards related to their industry and work
location.
• Provide workers with health and safety training at reasonable intervals.
• Consult workers regarding workplace health and safety risks.
4. Integrity, Ethics, and Conduct
Saltec upholds high standards of ethical conduct and compliance with all applicable laws,
including Commonwealth Workplace Laws.
4.1 Business Integrity :
Suppliers must comply with all anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws.
Suppliers must not engage in fraudulent, corrupt, or collusive activities.
4.2 Record Keeping and Documentation:
Suppliers must maintain accurate records of financial transactions, worker engagement, and
health and safety practices in accordance with applicable laws.
4.3 Transparency and Reporting Obligations :
Suppliers must notify Saltec if they become aware of any instances of modern slavery within
their supply chain and cooperate fully in any investigations.
4.4 Professional Conduct :
Suppliers must conduct themselves in a manner that is fair, professional, and does not bring
Saltec into disrepute.
4.5 Confidentiality :
Suppliers must not improperly use any private, confidential, or commercially sensitive
information in connection with their dealings with Saltec.
5. Corporate and Supply Chain Governance
Saltec requires suppliers to maintain sound governance processes, supply chain oversight, and risk management systems.
5.1 Risk Assessment and Management :
Suppliers must develop and maintain a process to identify, manage, and control relevant risks
associated with their operations, including labour and human rights, modern slavery, health
and safety, business ethics, and corporate governance.
5.2 Critical Incident Management :
Suppliers must:
• Identify and assess potential critical incidents, emergency situations, and business
continuity risks.
• Implement emergency response procedures to minimise harm to life, environment, and property while ensuring business continuity.
6. Compliance and Audits
6.1 Corrective Action Process :
Suppliers must:
• Self-assess compliance with the Code and take timely action to correct deficiencies.
• Raise concerns, seek clarification, and co-operate with Saltec regarding any elements of
the Code.
• Provide evidence of compliance, including documents and records, upon request.
• Support Saltec in reviewing compliance with the Code, including audits and supply chain
investigations.
6.2 Training and Awareness:
Suppliers should provide training to employees and subcontractors on ethical labour practices
and modern slavery risks to ensure compliance with this Code.
7. Conclusion
By adhering to this Supplier Code of Conduct, suppliers demonstrate their commitment to
ethical labour practices, human rights, and compliance with modern slavery legislation in
Australia. Saltec reserves the right to take appropriate action, including terminating
relationships with suppliers who fail to comply with this Code.
