The Hon. AILEEN MacDONALD (14:40): I take note of an answer provided to me by the Minister for Transport and say that it was inadequate. The New South Wales Government claims to be committed to fairness, yet here we are talking about taxpayer dollars funding a procurement deal tainted by forced labour. The evidence is clear: Uyghur forced labour is well documented, with at least 38 companies in China's automotive sector engaging in state-sponsored labour transfers. A United States [US] congressional report found indisputable links between Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited batteries and forced labour camps. Even the NSW Anti‑slavery Commissioner is investigating, yet this Government is dragging its feet.

The Minister may say that the Government is reviewing the procurement framework, but that is not good enough. Procurement laws already require that goods must not be the product of modern slavery, so why were these contracts signed in the first place and why will the Government not commit to cancelling them? This is not an isolated issue. China dominates global electric vehicle battery production. The supply chains are compromised, and this Government must prove that it is not complicit in human rights abuses. Other governments are taking action. The US has banned imports, Canada and the United Kingdom are introducing stronger supply chain laws, yet in New South Wales we are funding contracts connected to the very same abuses. I ask the Government: Will it immediately freeze contracts with Foton Mobility Distribution and Yutong until it can guarantee no forced labour was used, or will it continue to hide behind process while people suffer in modern slavery?