Ethical Sourcing & Modern Slavery Policy
Austex International
Effective Date: August 2026
Review: Annually or as required
1. Our Commitment
Austex International is committed to conducting business ethically and responsibly and to respecting human rights throughout our operations and supply chain.
We do not tolerate modern slavery or serious labour exploitation, including forced labour, human trafficking, servitude, debt bondage, deceptive recruitment or child labour within our operations or supply chain.
We recognise the importance of working with our suppliers and manufacturers to promote responsible and ethical business practices.
2. Our Business and Supply Chain
Austex International is an Australian importer and wholesaler specialising in rugs and related home furnishing products.
Our products are sourced from manufacturers and suppliers located internationally. We recognise that global supply chains can present differing labour and human-rights risks and believe these risks should be considered when engaging with suppliers.
3. Supplier Expectations
Austex International expects its suppliers and manufacturers to:
- comply with applicable labour, employment and human-rights laws in the countries in which they operate;
- not use forced, bonded, trafficked or involuntary labour;
- not engage in unlawful child labour;
- provide workers with lawful wages and working conditions;
- maintain a safe and respectful working environment;
- not unlawfully discriminate against, threaten or abuse workers;
- respect workers' freedom to leave employment in accordance with applicable laws;
- conduct their operations ethically and responsibly; and
- provide relevant information or supporting documentation regarding ethical sourcing and labour practices when reasonably requested.
4. Supplier Engagement and Due Diligence
Austex International seeks to work with reputable suppliers and manufacturers and encourages transparency regarding labour and workplace practices.
Where appropriate, we may request information, declarations, certifications, audit information or other supporting documentation from suppliers to assist us in understanding and managing ethical sourcing and modern slavery risks.
Where required by our retail partners or customers, including as part of their ethical sourcing requirements, we will work with our suppliers and manufacturers to obtain relevant supporting information and documentation.
5. Identifying and Managing Risk
We recognise that modern slavery risks may vary according to factors including the country of manufacture, industry, workforce and nature of the supply arrangement.
Where a potential modern slavery or serious human-rights concern is identified, Austex International will seek further information from the relevant supplier and assess the appropriate course of action.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include requesting corrective action, further supporting documentation or reconsidering the supplier relationship.
6. Responsibility and Oversight
Responsibility for overseeing ethical sourcing, modern slavery and associated human-rights risks sits with the senior management of Austex International.
Senior management is responsible for reviewing relevant concerns, engaging with suppliers where appropriate and considering additional measures where risks are identified.
7. Continuous Improvement
Austex International recognises that responsible sourcing is an ongoing process.
We are committed to progressively improving our understanding of our supply chain and our processes for identifying and addressing modern slavery and human-rights risks.
We will also consider reasonable ethical sourcing requirements introduced by our customers, retail partners and applicable regulatory authorities.
8. Reporting Concerns
Employees, suppliers and other parties who become aware of a suspected modern slavery, serious labour exploitation or human-rights concern associated with Austex International's operations or supply chain are encouraged to raise the matter with Austex International management.
Concerns will be considered seriously and handled appropriately having regard to the circumstances.
9. Compliance
Austex International expects suppliers to comply with applicable laws and regulations relating to employment, labour practices and human rights.
Where a supplier is found to be involved in serious labour exploitation or modern slavery practices, Austex International will consider appropriate action, which may include requiring corrective measures or reviewing the ongoing business relationship.
10. Review of this Policy
This policy will be reviewed periodically and may be updated as our business, supply chain, customer requirements and applicable laws evolve.
Austex International
Australia