Meet the Team

CHAIRPERSON

Robyn Parkin was the Co-Founder and Head of Sustainability and Advocacy at Ethical Partners Funds Management, a leading Australian equities investor focused on responsible investment. With over seven years in ESG, she has led initiatives in investment screening, ASX-listed company engagement, and policy advocacy, working with financial institutions, government, NGOs, and civil society.

Recognised globally for her leadership, Robyn received the 2023 Anti-Slavery Australia Impact Award and was named a Global 100 Meaningful Business Leader for advancing SDG 8 (Decent Work) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). She serves on multiple global committees and advisory groups, Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative Advisory Group and two UN PRI Advisory Groups. She has co-authored research with UNICEF Australia on integrating child rights into corporate practices. Robyn holds qualifications in Sustainable Finance and High Impact Leadership from Cambridge University and is completing a Master of International Development at RMIT.

COMPANY SECRETARY

Dr. Hannah Thinyane is Director of Supply Chain Technology Research & Development at Diginex, an impact technology company that creates accessible and intelligent products to democratize sustainability. She has over 20 years’ experience working within and with government, business, academia, and UN; developing tools to identify and address power imbalances and vulnerabilities. 

For the last 9 years, her work has had two themes: 1) innovating and inventing tools to support the identification of victims of forced labour and human trafficking; 2) and analysis of patterns of exploitation to inform action (prevention, protection, prosecution). A recognised expert in ICT for development and business and human rights, she has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications based on her research, publishing in both academic and policy circles.

TREASURER

Rob Shelton is the Managing Director of DFK Everalls, where he has worked since 1993, guiding the firm through growth while maintaining its core values. With a passion for business structures and strategy, Rob brings deep expertise in governance, board-level advice, and strategic planning, helping local businesses navigate complex challenges and embrace change.

As Treasurer of Be Slavery Free, Rob values the organisation’s ability to multiply impact and its focus on prevention—believing that preventing exploitation is far better than remedying harm after it occurs. His financial and governance expertise plays a key role in supporting this mission.

Rob’s qualifications include a Master of Taxation (UNSW), Bachelor of Commerce (ANU), and Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning. He is a Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA), Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

BOARD MEMBER

Skye Kakoschke-Moore served as a Senator for South Australia in the 45th Parliament, where she championed human rights, gender equality, and the protection of children from sexual exploitation. Her passion for advocating for people experiencing vulnerability shaped her career in politics and beyond, giving her expertise in policy development, complex case management, and high-level negotiations.

Now CEO of Children and Young People with Disability Australia (CYDA), Skye leads the national peak body representing the rights of young people with disability. Known for her compassionate leadership and strategic insight, she works to ensure children and young people are heard in decisions that affect them, driving systemic change for inclusion and equity.

BOARD MEMBER

Kyla Raby is an anti-slavery specialist with experience as a practitioner, researcher, and educator. She has worked with survivors of modern slavery in Australia and internationally, designing and managing support services. Kyla is completing a PhD at the University of South Australia on the role of consumers and lived experience in legislative responses to modern slavery in global supply chains. Her research has been published internationally, and she is co-author of Modern Slavery in Australia (2024).

Kyla is a delegate with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, deployed to migration crises in Bangladesh and Greece. She also lectures at several Australian universities and recently founded Everyday Slavery, an education initiative funded by the Australian Government to help the public prevent and address modern slavery. Kyla holds a Master in Public and International Law, a BA in International Relations, and a Bachelor of Journalism.

BOARD MEMBER

Hayley Whatarau is a qualified lawyer and human rights practitioner with two decades international experience. Her career has evolved from hands-on advisory roles to executive leadership positions in human rights.

In recent years, she has concentrated her efforts on the Global South, applying her expertise in business and human rights, traceability, and supply chain resilience. Hayley has been instrumental in leveraging technology to develop innovative, rights-holder-led solutions that tackle pressing human rights challenges.

A proud indigenous woman from the northern tribes of Ngāti Whātua and Te Rarawa in Aotearoa (New Zealand), as well as Iama/Tudu of the Torres Strait in Australia. Hayley also holds directorships in several leading social impact organisations and tribal entities.

BOARD MEMBER

Steve Cooke is an experienced advocate and international development professional with a long-standing commitment to advancing human rights and combating modern slavery. He has led major anti-slavery campaigns in Australia, including Don’t Trade Lives and Stop the Traffik, and developed initiatives such as Abolitionist Sunday to mobilise communities against exploitation.

Since 2012, Steve has lived and worked across Asia and Latin America, designing and leading development and humanitarian programs that address the root causes of vulnerability. His expertise spans strategic leadership, organisational development, advocacy, policy influence, and fundraising, with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and large teams. Passionate about systemic change, Steve believes slavery exists within a changeable system and works to build partnerships that drive accountability, inclusion, and justice.

BOARD MEMBER

Kristian Doolan is a recovering corporate strategist turned agri-tech idealist, now leading Bridge.ong - a Swiss nonprofit using digital identity to give smallholder farmers and workers true ownership of their data. With 20+ years spent optimising and wrangling processes across industries, he’s now focused on turning good tech into public infrastructure that actually works for people.

BOARD MEMBER

Nick Dexter has over over fifteen years of project and operational management experience in chemistry and data science organisations in New Zealand and Australia.

Nick is the Principal Consultant at Edge Environment. His previous work at Oritain had taken him to many countries and these experiences have left an indelible impact - to envisage a world where all people are free.

BOARD MEMBER, CO-DIRECTOR

Carolyn Kitto OAM is the National Co-Director of Be Slavery Free, an Australian coalition dedicated to ending modern slavery and human trafficking. A passionate advocate for human rights, Carolyn has been actively involved in the anti-slavery movement for over 20 years, leading advocacy efforts and building strategic partnerships with governments, businesses, and civil society.

Since 2011, Carolyn has co-led Be Slavery Free, shaping its advocacy agenda and supporting organisations to prevent and remediate modern slavery in supply chains. She is a respected thought leader, advising governments and businesses on anti-slavery policy and practices, and helping companies assess risk, develop strategies, and implement remediation. 

Honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2024 for her service to social justice, Carolyn combines deep expertise with a collaborative approach to drive systemic change and protect the dignity and rights of vulnerable people.

BOARD MEMBER, CO-DIRECTOR

Fuzz Kitto is the National Co-Director of Be Slavery Free, an Australian coalition dedicated to eradicating modern slavery and human trafficking. With over 40 years of experience working in community development, international development, faith-based organisations, and justice areas, Fuzz is a seasoned leader and advocate for human rights.

Fuzz is a frequent traveller, traveling the world to collect stories, create new ones, and spread rumours of hope. He has worked in 52 countries and has used his experience to inform the framework of advocacy of Be Slavery Free, and to build long-lasting partnerships around the world.

As a speaker, trainer, coach, and writer, Fuzz understands that at the heart of modern slavery are vulnerable people. In his role as National Co-Director, Fuzz has lead consumer advocacy work in areas of cocoa, seafood and tea to bring about systemic change to protect vulnerable people and promote human rights, social justice, and community empowerment.

CAMPAIGNS & ENGAGEMENT

Anna Jun is the Operations Lead at Be Slavery Free, working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly and effectively. With a background in law, business and Intercultural Studies, Anna brings a unique blend of analytical and cross-cultural expertise to her role.

Having lived and worked across multiple continents, Anna has gained understanding of the vulnerabilities that lead to modern slavery and forced labour. Her global perspective and commitment to justice drive her work in supporting campaigns and engagement strategies that amplify Be Slavery Free’s impact.