Russell Palmer of RNZ A bill tackling modern slavery has passed its first reading with bipartisan support - marking a first for Parliament. The bill uses a new rule introduced in the 2020 term, Standing Order 288, which allows a member's bill to be progressed so long as it has support from a majority of MPs who are not in the executive - that is, Ministers, Associate Ministers and undersecretaries. The bill requires companies earning more than $100 million to carry out due diligence into slavery in their supply chains and operations. It has been championed in a joint effort between National's Greg Fleming and Labour's Camilla Belich. The bill today passed with the support of all parties other than ACT, which argues modern slavery in New Zealand is already outlawed, and the bill will push up costs for businesses. Belich said the public and businesses are in support of the bill, and ACT was welcome to get on board. "It's the right thing to do. I say to New Zealanders ...…