Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Issued in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and aligned with the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

1. About This Statement

Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd (ABN 26 645 171 384), trading as Podwires, publishes this Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the financial year ending 30 June 2026. This statement is made voluntarily in alignment with the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and reflects our commitment to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs), adopted by the UN Human Rights Council in 2011.

Podwires operates with zero tolerance for modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child labour, or any form of exploitation — whether within our direct operations or extended supply chain.

2. About Podwires

Podwires is an independent Australian podcast talent marketplace connecting podcast producers, audio engineers, editors, consultants, and other audio professionals with clients and employers worldwide.

The platform enables clients to find producers, browse case studies, post jobs, and directly message verified podcast professionals. As of March 2026, Podwires lists over 108 verified producers, has facilitated more than 23 completed projects, and carries 41 active job listings.

Podwires offers specialisations across podcast production, audio engineering, podcast editing, consulting, guest management, and podcast strategy. The platform serves both Australian-based and international professionals, with producers listed from countries including the Philippines, Canada, and the United States.

3. Structure, Operations, and Supply Chains

3.1 Organisational Structure

Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd operates as a lean, digital-native business with no physical retail or manufacturing presence. The workforce comprises a core editorial and operations team based in Adelaide, South Australia; contracted freelance contributors for editorial and platform content; and third-party technology and platform service providers.

3.2 Supply Chain

As a digital marketplace, our supply chain is comparatively narrow. Key categories include:

• Technology and platform infrastructure — cloud hosting, website systems, payment processing, email delivery, and CRM platforms
• Freelance contributors and contractors — podcast producers, audio engineers, editors, and content writers engaged via the platform or directly by Podwires
• Marketing and advertising partners — newsletter platforms, digital advertising, and third-party sponsors
• Professional services — legal, accounting, and compliance providers

The majority of operational suppliers are Australian-based. A portion of technology infrastructure is provided by international vendors, primarily headquartered in the United States, which may carry indirect exposure to global supply chain risks.

4. Modern Slavery Risks

Podwires has assessed modern slavery risks against the UN Guiding Principles’ three-pillar framework — Protect, Respect, and Remedy — and has identified the following areas requiring active management.

4.1 Platform Marketplace Risks

As an operator of a freelance talent marketplace with professionals listed internationally, Podwires acknowledges that digital platforms can inadvertently facilitate exploitative arrangements. Specific risks include misrepresentation of working conditions or pay in third-party job listings; engagement of platform users under coercive or deceptive circumstances; and potential wage disparities affecting internationally-based contributors relative to their local standards.

4.2 Technology Supply Chain Risks

Reliance on global software and cloud infrastructure exposes Podwires indirectly to supply chains that may include regions with elevated modern slavery risk, including hardware manufacturing and data centre operations in jurisdictions with weaker labour protections.

4.3 Contractor and Contributor Risks

Freelance contributors engaged for editorial content carry limited but acknowledged risk of underpayment or unclear contractual terms that may disadvantage workers, particularly those operating across different jurisdictions and legal frameworks.

5. Actions Taken

5.1 Policies and Governance

Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd has implemented the following measures in alignment with the UNGPs’ Respect pillar:

• A Workplace Ethics and Fair Work Policy establishing minimum standards for all contractors and contributors
• Standard freelance agreements clearly stating remuneration, intellectual property terms, and dispute resolution mechanisms
• A Supplier Code of Conduct communicated to key service providers, aligned with UN SDG 8 on decent work
• A confidential reporting channel for contractors, contributors, and platform users to raise concerns

5.2 Platform Safety and Verification

Podwires operates a verified professionals system, with ID-verified badges displayed on member profiles. All registered users of the marketplace are subject to identity verification at onboarding. Employer job listings are reviewed for compliance with minimum wage standards relevant to the advertised role’s jurisdiction prior to publication.

5.3 Supplier Due Diligence

Key technology suppliers are reviewed annually for labour and human rights compliance. Where feasible, Podwires prioritises suppliers who publish their own modern slavery or ESG disclosures. Modern slavery compliance representations are included in new vendor agreements.

5.4 Training and Awareness

Core operational staff receive annual awareness training on recognising and reporting modern slavery indicators. Staff are briefed on obligations under the Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth) and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

6. Effectiveness

Podwires monitors the effectiveness of our risk management through the following indicators:

• All modern slavery concerns raised through our reporting channel actioned within 10 business days
• 75% of key suppliers with published modern slavery or ESG disclosures — target by FY2026–27
• 100% completion rate for eligible staff in annual modern slavery awareness training
• Quarterly review of job listing compliance standards

No incidents of modern slavery were identified or reported within Podwires’ operations or supply chain during the FY2025–2026 reporting period. We acknowledge that the absence of reported incidents does not guarantee the absence of risk, and will continue to deepen our assessment capabilities.

7. Future Commitments

In the next reporting period, Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd commits to:

• Expanding identity verification and platform safety protocols for marketplace listings
• Strengthening supplier due diligence for international technology vendors
• Publishing a refreshed Supplier Code of Conduct explicitly aligned with the UNGPs and UN SDG 8
• Exploring participation in industry coalitions addressing ethical recruitment in the gig economy
• Setting and publishing quantitative modern slavery risk targets annually

8. Consultation

This statement was developed through internal consultation with Podwires’ editorial and operations leadership at Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd. It has been reviewed and approved by the principal operator. Future reviews will seek broader engagement with the contractor and contributor community.

9. Reporting Concerns

Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd encourages anyone — including marketplace users, contributors, contractors, and the public — to report concerns about modern slavery or exploitative labour practices connected to Podwires.

For urgent concerns, contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or the National Slavery Hotline at 1800 STOP TRAFFIC (1800 786 878).

10. Approval

This statement has been approved by the principal operator of Kangaroofern Media Lab Pty Ltd (ABN 26 645 171 384) and is published at podwires.com in accordance with our commitment to transparency and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.

Statement Version: 2.0 | Next Review: March 2027 | Published at podwires.com