Large companies operating in Australia could soon be forced to detail each year what they're doing to combat modern slavery - but Labor says that's pathetic.
It wants those in the wrong to be punished.
The Turnbull government on Wednesday announced plans to make annual reporting a legal requirement.
Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the proposal would raise awareness about the crime and help the business community respond more effectively.
"It will also encourage business to use their market influence to improve workplace standards and practices," he said in a statement.
But Labor's justice spokeswoman Clare O'Neil blasted Mr Keenan for doing only the bare minimum.
It was "absolutely pathetic" the government would not impose penalties on big businesses who breach the Modern Slavery Act, she said.
"We should not be leaving it to big business to police themselves on slavery," she said.
"Without penalties, the act would be completely toothless."
Labor has promised to punish those who breach the act and also establish an anti-slavery commissioner if elected.
A recent parliamentary inquiry reported that there were only seven slavery and human trafficking-related convictions between 2011 and 2016.
The government will consult with industry to decide what the final legislation should look like.
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