Supplier Code of Conduct
Austex International
Effective Date: August 2026
Review: Annually or as required
1. Purpose
Austex International is committed to conducting business ethically, responsibly and with respect for internationally recognised human rights and labour standards.
This Supplier Code of Conduct sets out the standards we expect suppliers, manufacturers and other relevant supply partners to observe when supplying goods or services to Austex International.
We recognise that suppliers operate in different countries and regulatory environments. At a minimum, suppliers are expected to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the countries in which they operate and to respect the principles outlined in this Code.
2. Modern Slavery and Forced Labour
Suppliers must not knowingly use, participate in or benefit from any form of modern slavery, including:
- forced or compulsory labour;
- bonded or debt-bonded labour;
- human trafficking;
- slavery or servitude;
- involuntary prison labour; or
- deceptive or coercive recruitment practices.
Employment should be freely chosen, and workers should be free to leave their employment in accordance with applicable laws and contractual requirements.
3. Child Labour
Suppliers must not employ children in violation of applicable minimum-age laws.
Young workers who are legally permitted to work must not be employed in circumstances that are hazardous, interfere with their education, or are otherwise prohibited by applicable laws.
4. Wages, Benefits and Working Hours
Suppliers are expected to comply with applicable laws relating to:
- minimum wages;
- employee benefits;
- working hours;
- overtime;
- rest periods; and
- leave entitlements.
Workers should receive clear and accurate information regarding their employment conditions and compensation.
5. Health and Safety
Suppliers are expected to provide workers with a safe and healthy working environment and comply with applicable workplace health and safety requirements.
Appropriate measures should be taken to identify and minimise workplace hazards and provide workers with suitable information, training and protective equipment where required.
6. Respectful Workplace
Workers must be treated with dignity and respect.
Suppliers must not tolerate physical abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, sexual harassment, degrading treatment or other unlawful or inappropriate treatment of workers.
7. Discrimination
Suppliers must comply with applicable laws concerning workplace discrimination and should provide employment opportunities based on legitimate job-related requirements.
Unlawful discrimination in recruitment, remuneration, promotion, training or termination is not acceptable.
8. Freedom of Association
Suppliers are expected to respect workers' lawful rights relating to freedom of association, collective representation and collective bargaining in accordance with applicable local laws.
9. Ethical Business Practices
Suppliers are expected to conduct business honestly and ethically and comply with applicable laws concerning bribery, corruption, fraud and other improper business practices.
Business records and information provided to Austex International should be accurate and not intentionally misleading.
10. Subcontractors and Supply Chains
Where suppliers use subcontractors or other parties in connection with products supplied to Austex International, suppliers are encouraged to communicate equivalent ethical labour and human-rights expectations throughout their own supply chains.
Suppliers should take reasonable steps to avoid knowingly sourcing goods or materials produced using modern slavery, forced labour or unlawful child labour.
11. Information and Supporting Documentation
Austex International may request reasonable information or supporting documentation from suppliers regarding compliance with this Code and ethical sourcing requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, this may include supplier declarations, policies, certifications, audit information or other relevant documentation.
Suppliers are expected to cooperate reasonably with such requests.
12. Reporting Concerns
Suppliers should promptly raise with Austex International any serious modern slavery, forced labour, child labour or human-rights concern identified in connection with products or services supplied to Austex International.
Austex International encourages transparency and constructive engagement where concerns are identified.
13. Corrective Action
Where a potential breach of this Code is identified, Austex International may seek further information from the supplier and request reasonable corrective action.
We recognise that remediation and improvement may be appropriate depending on the nature and circumstances of an issue.
However, serious, deliberate or repeated breaches may result in Austex International reviewing or terminating the relevant supplier relationship.
14. Compliance With Laws
Suppliers are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations governing their operations.
Where the requirements of this Code and applicable law differ, suppliers should comply with applicable law while seeking, where reasonably possible, to uphold the principles contained in this Code.
15. International Labour and Human Rights Principles
This Code is informed by internationally recognised principles concerning fundamental rights at work and responsible business conduct.
Austex International expects suppliers to conduct their operations in a manner that respects fundamental human rights and promotes fair, safe and lawful working conditions.
16. Continuous Improvement
Austex International recognises that responsible sourcing is an ongoing process and encourages suppliers to continually improve their labour, workplace and ethical business practices.
We seek to work constructively with our suppliers to promote responsible and transparent supply chains.
17. Supplier Acknowledgement
Suppliers may be requested to acknowledge that they have received, read and understood this Supplier Code of Conduct and agree to conduct their operations in accordance with its principles and applicable laws.
Austex International
Australia