(1) An entity, other than the Commonwealth, may give the Minister a modern slavery statement covering one or more reporting entities (which may include the entity giving the statement), for a reporting period for those reporting entities.
(2) The entity giving the statement must ensure that it:
(a) complies with section 16; and
(b) is prepared in a form approved by the Minister; and
(c) is prepared in consultation with each reporting entity covered by the statement; and
(d) is approved by the principal governing body of:
(i) each reporting entity covered by the statement; or
(ii) an entity (the higher entity ) which is in a position, directly or indirectly, to influence or control each reporting entity covered by the statement, whether or not the higher entity is itself covered by the statement; or
(iii) if it is not practicable to comply with subparagraph (i) or (ii)--at least one reporting entity covered by the statement; and
(e) is signed by a responsible member of:
(i) if subparagraph (d)(i) applies--each reporting entity covered by the statement; or
(ii) if subparagraph (d)(ii) applies--the higher entity; or
(iii) if subparagraph (d)(iii) applies--each reporting entity to which the subparagraph applies; and
(f) is given to the Minister:
(i) within 6 months after the end of the reporting period for the entities covered by the statement, in a manner approved by the Minister; or
(ii) within a period prescribed by rules made for the purposes of this subparagraph.
Note 1: The statement may be signed electronically: see section 10 of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999 .
Note 2: If subparagraph (d)(iii) applies, the statement must include an explanation: see subsection 16(2).