Thai Union Group’s global director of corporate affairs and sustainability has been among those recognised for their outstanding contribution to combating modern slavery at the Anti-Slavery Australia Freedom Awards.
Dr Darian McBain received the 2019 Freedom Award at a ceremony at the University of Technology Sydney, for her 'outstanding contribution to the field of ethical sourcing and human rights in the seafood industry'.
“It is an absolute honour to receive this award, particularly for an issue that I am incredibly passionate about,” said Dr McBain. “Modern slavery has no place in any industry, and I am so proud and grateful for Thai Union’s resolute commitment to addressing this issue at every level of the business and throughout the seafood industry.”
Confronted with significant challenges around human rights violations and trafficking throughout the Thai fishing industry shortly after joining the company in 2015, Dr McBain identified these crises as a catalyst for change. Since then, Dr McBain has implemented sweeping reforms to Thai Union’s operations, including creating the SeaChange sustainability strategy - a comprehensive set of commitments and actions to ensure the company operates sustainably.
Other recipients of the 2019 Freedom Award included Outland Denim founder James Bartle, former federal MP Chris Crewther and Mans Carlsson-Sweeny, head of environmental, social and governance research at Ausbil. Joanne Pugsley from Anti-Slavery Australia received the Anti-Slavery Australia Award.
