Introduction

This statement will cover the structure, operations, supply chain, risks of modern slavery, actions to assess and address those risks and consultation processes Bakels has in place for the purposes of this entity.

Australian Bakels (AB) is a collaborative organisation, our mission runs through the veins of each and every Bakels employee and provides a strategic foundation for everything we do.

Respect for each other as more than just colleagues, a strong family culture drives us to work closely to get the most out of respect for not only each other, but for the well-being of the communities and Human Rights in which we operate as fundamental to our values and the long-term stability and growth of our business.

At Bakels this means conducting business in a way that acknowledges and respects the rights of our customers, suppliers, contractors and employees to be free from all aspects of modern slavery including but not limited to human trafficking, servitude, forced and child labour.

Our Business

Australian Bakels began business in Australia in 1952 on the Silverwater Site, New South Wales, which it still occupies today. AB is a member of the privately-owned International Bakels Group (head office Switzerland), Australian Bakels is the largest company in the Group.

In Australia, Australian Bakels has modern production facilities in Sydney, as well as warehouses and sales offices in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Tasmania. In the 75 years of its existence, Australian Bakels manufactures the majority of goods we sell, with the largest production centre being at Silverwater, NSW.

Australian Bakels work within three main sectors of the food industry;

• In-store bakery (supermarkets)
• Industrial Bread and Confectionery Manufacturers
• Craft and Wholesale customers

Operations and Supply Chain

Bakels is committed to responsible sourcing and ethical business practices. We participate in ethical sourcing program (SEDEX ) to drive improvements in our supply chain and avoid unfair and unsafe labor practices, including slavery and human trafficking.
Through these programs and certification, we assess and audit our suppliers and service providers on their ethical sourcing performance as per the SEDEX SMETA 4 Pillar assessment framework. This framework includes Labour Standards, Health & Safety and Business Ethics.

• Bakels has considered the following factors when assessing the risk of modern slavery in its supply chain and operations:
  The exposure and risks of modern slavery practices in the food industry are complex and varied, making it difficult to conduct a comprehensive assessment.
• AB is aware that sourcing from various countries with less strict modern slavery laws, especially those in Asia and parts of Europe can increase the risk of modern slavery.
• AB is not aware of any of its suppliers, whether local or international, having engaged in any conduct that could be considered modern slavery.

Our Policies/Approach

Our Modern Slavery Statement, Ethical Conduct Policy and Business Code of Conduct Policy together indicates Australian Bakels commitment and expectation when doing business with Bakels, these policies align with our core values and ensures that we detect the highest standards of fair work practices, respect, integrity, and dedication in our day-to-day business operations. These include:

• Conducting due diligence: This involves conducting research to identify and assess the risks of modern slavery in the supply chain.
• Use of SEDEX Radar Risk Tool to assess country risk for all suppliers and service providers.
• Regular monitoring and auditing for internal policies and procedures to ensure that the business complies with the established code of conduct.
• Raising awareness by implementing these policies we currently have in place:
  a) Business Code of Conduct
  b) Equal Employment Opportunity and Anti-Discrimination Policy
  c) Grievance Policy
  d) Whistleblower Policy
  e) Ethical Sourcing Policy
  f) Environmental Protection policy
• Choosing suppliers that are certified by a reputable organisation: This could include the Fair Labor Association or SEDEX.
• Communicating Bakels expectations on complying with Modern Slavery Act 2018 and ethical supply chain to our suppliers and service provider and assessing them through a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) which addresses a range of questions related to compliant labor practices. These questions aim to assess the supplier’s commitment to preventing modern slavery and ensuring that its workers are treated fairly and humanely. By completing the SAQ, suppliers can demonstrate their commitment to Bakels Australia’s zero-tolerance policy on modern slavery.

Future Commitments

• Actively collaborating with suppliers and service providers to enhance visibility of modern slavery risks and their mitigation measures.
• Continuing awareness and capacity building for team members and business partners on modern slavery risks, issues, and mitigation activities, in the context of corporate sustainability.
• Providing ongoing training and development opportunities for employees and business partners on modern slavery risks, issues, and mitigation measures, in the context of corporate sustainability.