Statement from our CEO
Modern slavery can occur across any industry and at any stage of a supply chain. At BAE Systems Australia, we are committed to identifying and addressing modern slavery risks in our operations and across our network of industry partners.
As a large defence company supporting critical national capability across diverse and complex markets, upholding high standards of integrity and responsible business conduct is central to how we do business every day.
The people who contribute to our organisation – whether in our workforce or across our supply chain – deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. We have a responsibility to remain vigilant in identifying and addressing modern slavery risks that may affect them.
As this statement suggests, the BAE Systems Australia approach is underpinned by robust governance and guided by internal frameworks including our Code of Conduct, Supplier Code of Conduct, Responsible Supply Chain Shop Window, and relevant company policies.
Together with our global Human Rights Statement, these frameworks set clear expectations for responsible business conduct and promote our commitment to working conditions that are safe, fair, and respectful.
During 2025, we built on this commitment through a number of initiatives, including:
- strengthening our procurement guidance through the introduction of a Responsible Supply Chain Handbook.
- updated our Supplier Code of Conduct;
- collaborated with industry peers to strengthen due diligence consistency; and
- continued engaging suppliers on modern slavery awareness.
Effective action requires ongoing vigilance, transparency, and collaboration with our suppliers, government, and industry partners. Informed by improved systems, data and insights, BAE Systems Australia will continue to develop and refine our approach towards identifying and addressing potential risks to the people who contribute to our organisation.
As Chief Executive Officer, I remain committed to ensuring our company works to strengthen the systems and governance to reduce the risk of modern slavery in our operations or our supply chain.
Reporting entities covered by this statement
BAE Systems Australia Holdings Limited ACN 008 648 333 (BAE Systems Australia Holdings) is a company incorporated and operating in Australia. It is ultimately wholly owned by BAE Systems plc, Company Number 1470151, a company incorporated in England and Wales and listed on the London Stock Exchange.
BAE Systems Australia Holdings has submitted this statement on behalf of the following companies, specifically:
- BAE Systems Australia Limited, ACN 008 423 005
- BAE Systems Australia Defence Pty Limited, ACN 006 870 846, and
- ASC Shipbuilding Pty Limited, ACN 051 899 864.
Together, the above companies are referred to in this statement as the BAE Systems Australia Group. References to BAE Systems Australia” throughout this statement are used to describe the business, operations, workforce, supply chain or activities of all entities in the BAE Systems Australia Group in general terms. References to the “global Group” are used to describe all entities in the corporate group owned by BAE Systems plc.
This Modern Slavery Statement is made pursuant to section 14 of the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and sets out the steps BAE Systems Australia has taken to identify and address modern slavery risks in our business and supply chain in Australia, during the reporting period of 1 January to 31 December 2025.
This statement was approved by the Australian Management Board on 10 June 2026 in its capacity as the principal governing body of BAE Systems Australia.
The Australian Management Board comprises the statutory Directors and the Company Secretary of all companies in the BAE Systems Australia Group, together with other executive leaders.
Whilst BAE Systems Australia Holdings has submitted this statement, BAE Systems Australia Holdings is the holding company of the BAE Systems Australia Group and does not have any outward-facing operations or undertake external procurement.
Consultation between entities within the BAE Systems Australia Group was undertaken during the reporting period, supported by a collaborative working group of BAE Systems Australia Group employees, who contributed to the development of this statement via a shared online platform.
This statement is signed by Craig Lockhart in his role as a Director of BAE Systems Australia Holdings Limited, and Director and Chief Executive Officer of BAE Systems Australia Limited on 19 June 2026.
To view the 2025 Australian Modern Slavery Act Statement please use the link below.
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence Pty Ltd
BAE Systems Digital Intelligence Pty Ltd (ACN 111 187 270, “Digital Intelligence”) is wholly owned by BAE Systems Australia Limited (ACN 008 423 005); however, due to the nature of its operations, and particularly as its supply chain activities are managed by other parent entities in the global BAE Systems group, this statement does not apply to Digital Intelligence.
Digital Intelligence is an Australian-based provider of digital solutions to defence and security customers. It adopts similar approaches to assessing, managing and addressing modern slavery risks, aligned with global modern slavery policies mandated by BAE Systems Plc and supported by relevant local policies. Employees also have access to relevant training, and the Ethics Helpline.
There is annual consultation within Digital Intelligence in respect of matters relating to modern slavery governance and assurance. Internally Digital Intelligence undertakes appropriate due diligence activities, which include:
- expecting suppliers to comply with BAE Systems’ Supplier Code of Conduct
- mandatory modern slavery training for all Supply Chain employees
- supplier assurance based on a range of risk parameters, including geographic location and the nature of supply
- regular review and update of internal processes
- availability of Ethics Officers to support ethical practices and to enable employees, contractors, suppliers, and customers to confidentially raise any ethics concerns.
This section on BAE Systems Digital Intelligence Pty Ltd was endorsed by its directors on 10 March 2026.
Governance and Disclosure