Modern Slavery Statement — Hedge Trimming Victoria
Hedge Trimming Victoria affirms a zero-tolerance policy to all forms of modern slavery, forced labour and human trafficking across our operations and supply chains. We recognise our responsibility as a professional provider of hedge-trimming services in Victoria to identify, prevent and address any risks of exploitation. This statement sets out our approach to compliance, monitoring and continuous improvement across the business.
Our Commitment and Scope
We are committed to ethical labour practices across all roles — from on-site operatives to subcontractors providing specialised tree and hedge maintenance. The policy covers employees, contractors and suppliers involved in hedge maintenance Victoria-wide and applies to procurement, onboarding and ongoing partnerships.
To ensure we put principle into practice, Hedge Trimming Victoria integrates human rights due diligence into procurement. We require supply partners to confirm adherence to labour laws, provide transparency over worker conditions and permit audits. Our pledge is backed by clear contractual clauses that prohibit exploitative labour practices and require corrective action plans where risks are detected.
We operate a robust supplier audits programme. Audits include documentation review, payroll checks and, where appropriate, on-site inspections. Suppliers are assessed on indicators such as working hours, wage payments, the use of recruitment agencies and freedom of movement for workers. Non-conformances prompt immediate remediation steps and, if unresolved, may lead to termination of the relationship with that supplier.
Key elements of our due diligence process include regular supplier risk assessments, improved supplier onboarding and targeted audit frequency for higher-risk partners. This structured approach to vetting our supply chain helps the company mitigate identified risks in victorian hedge trimming operations and supplier networks.
Supplier Audit Checklist
- Verification of employment contracts and legal right to work;
- Payroll and wage verification to ensure lawful payment;
- Inspection for safe working conditions and reasonable hours;
- Assessment of recruitment practices and agency use;
- Evidence of grievance procedures and worker access to reporting.
Hedge-trimming Victoria encourages an open environment where concerns can be raised safely. We provide multiple reporting channels for staff, subcontractors and third parties to report suspected modern slavery risks without fear of retaliation. Reports may be made through internal whistleblowing lines, raised to managers or escalated to the compliance team for impartial investigation. All reports are handled confidentially and in line with data protection principles.
Reporting channels are supported by clear procedures: initial intake, triage, investigation and remediation. We ensure that anyone raising allegations receives protection from reprisals and that any worker affected by modern slavery concerns is prioritised for support and remediation.
Our governance arrangements assign responsibility for modern slavery compliance to senior management, with regular oversight by the board. We provide training to staff and contractors on identifying signs of exploitation and the steps to take when concerns arise. Training materials include scenario-based examples relevant to hedge trimming and grounds maintenance operations.
Hedge Trimming Victoria also collaborates with peers, industry groups and supply chain partners to share best practice and strengthen sector-wide responses to modern slavery. We monitor regulatory developments and incorporate evolving expectations into our policies and tendering processes.
Annual review: This modern slavery statement is reviewed at least once every 12 months. The annual review assesses effectiveness of risk mitigation measures, audit outcomes and remediation actions. Where necessary, the review leads to policy updates, enhanced supplier requirements or additional training to address emerging risks across the hedge trimming supply network.
Through ongoing vigilance, targeted supplier audits, clear reporting channels and a firm zero-tolerance stance, Hedge Trimming Victoria strives to ensure that our operations and supply chains remain free from modern slavery. We will continue to publish updates on progress and maintain accountability for protecting the rights and dignity of all workers involved in victorian hedge trimming services.