Modern Slavery Statement for Landscaping Victoria

Landscaping Victoria is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly, and with respect for human rights. This modern slavery statement sets out our approach to identifying, preventing, and addressing risks of modern slavery across our operations and supply chains. We recognise that the landscaping sector can involve complex labour arrangements, subcontracting, and procurement of materials, which may expose workers to exploitation. For that reason, Landscaping Victoria maintains a clear zero-tolerance policy toward modern slavery in all forms, including forced labour, debt bondage, child labour, and human trafficking.

Our commitment is grounded in the belief that every person has the right to work freely, safely, and fairly. We expect our employees, contractors, suppliers, and partners to uphold the same standards. To support this, Landscaping Victoria applies risk-based due diligence to the goods and services we procure, especially where labour-intensive activities or imported materials may present heightened vulnerability. We also reinforce ethical conduct through internal policies, procurement requirements, and ongoing staff awareness.

This statement reflects our broader responsibility to ensure that Landscaping Victoria’s modern slavery controls remain practical, effective, and continuously improving. We understand that awareness alone is not enough; active monitoring and intervention are essential. Accordingly, our organisation seeks to embed human rights considerations into decision-making at every stage, from supplier selection to contract management and performance review.

A key part of our response is supplier oversight. Landscaping Victoria undertakes supplier audits and reviews for high-risk partners and categories, with a focus on labour practices, worker accommodation, recruitment methods, wage records, and evidence of legal employment. Where concerns are identified, we require corrective action plans, follow-up verification, and, where necessary, suspension or termination of the commercial relationship. Our suppliers are also expected to confirm compliance with our ethical sourcing expectations and cooperate with requests for documentation.

We recognise that modern slavery risks can exist deeper in the supply chain, beyond direct suppliers. For that reason, we encourage transparency and traceability in sourcing, and we ask suppliers to identify their own high-risk inputs and subcontracting arrangements. The Landscaping Victoria modern slavery statement is supported by procurement checks that prioritise reputable businesses, legitimate wage practices, and fair treatment of workers. This approach helps us reduce the likelihood that exploitative practices enter our projects or supply network.

Training also plays an important role. Relevant staff receive guidance on identifying indicators of exploitation, such as withheld identity documents, restricted movement, excessive overtime, unsafe living conditions, or unusual recruitment fees. By improving awareness, we strengthen our ability to act quickly if warning signs emerge. In addition, internal managers are expected to escalate any concern immediately and to treat potential cases with seriousness and confidentiality.

To support safe and accessible reporting, Landscaping Victoria provides multiple reporting channels for employees, contractors, and supply chain workers to raise concerns about suspected modern slavery or unethical conduct. Reports may be made through management, human resources, or designated internal compliance processes, and all concerns are handled confidentially and without retaliation. Whistleblower protection is central to this process, because workers must feel secure when speaking up about abuse, coercion, or unsafe practices.

Any report is assessed promptly, and where necessary we may initiate investigations, engage with affected suppliers, and coordinate remedial action. If a matter is substantiated, Landscaping Victoria will act in line with the seriousness of the issue, which may include improving worker conditions, requiring compensation, notifying relevant authorities, or ending the relationship with the offending party. Our goal is not only to respond, but also to prevent recurrence through stronger controls.

This statement is reviewed annually to confirm that it remains aligned with our operating environment, legal obligations, and risk profile. The annual review considers audit findings, incident reports, supplier performance, training outcomes, and any changes in sourcing or subcontracting arrangements. Where improvements are needed, Landscaping Victoria will update policies, strengthen due diligence, and refine reporting mechanisms to ensure ongoing effectiveness.