Greetings

Hi all,

As DNTrade protocol dictates, I thought I would just post a brief note of introduction.....even though I have already "gotten into it" in other threads!
I have been involved in the .au space since 2000, in a number of different capacities.

From 2000 to 2008, I worked for various incarnations of the Dept of Communications - DBCDE, DCITA and even the former National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE). For much of my public service, I was directly involved with policy matters relating to management of the DNS, both in terms of the DoC's "light touch" oversight of auDA and Australia's engagement in international fora (acting as both Secretariat to the Governmental Advisory Committee of ICANN and Australia's delegate to that group).

When I left the Department in 2008, I joined auDA as a Public Affairs Officer, dealing with all aspects of outreach to government, international stakeholders and the local community. I then became GM of Public Affairs and, as our staffing grew and we acquired a dedicated Comms Manager, I was able to focus on my areas of expertise as GM of Government and International Affairs.
After a lengthy period of health-related leave, I was formally advised in late May / early June that my employment with auDA would cease on 30 June 2017.

So I have a bit of spare time and want to keep myself informed regarding the goings-on in .au. I have a deep and abiding interest in the future of the namespace and DNTrade is currently one of the few fora where I can engage. I have no interest in sledging my former employer, but hopefully I can bring some insight and experience to the many valuable conversations hosted here.

Cheers,

Paul

Welcome to the site Paul!

Welcome Paul

Howdy Paul

Thank you for your intro post, and welcome to DnTrade. Your background makes you a valuable contributor to this forum.

Welcome Paul. Thanks for sharing your background.

Welcome to the gang.

Hi Paul you are most welcome here. I wish you joined years ago and could have post over the years, but now finally you can speak out so go for it mate.

You have a great deal of experience and probably far more than most now at auDA( the new auDA) or on the Board so it would be fantastic to share your thoughts when you get time.

I hope you got to join as an auDA member in time so you have the chance to vote www.grumpy.com.au. Either way don't worry I dare say that will not be the last member SGM as too many issue remain and more seem to come to light each day especially now more very experienced people are speaking out.

If that was your post on Domainer today you should be very proud of yourself. You certainly gained a lot of street cred from many for standing up.

Keep the posts up here and on Domainer.com.au You have a respected voice and few could go head to head on you about auDA facts perhaps.

Although I personally feel auDA oversight was lacking for too long what we have now seems to be the wrong direction and I really wonder what in fact some at auDA think auDA;s actual role is... The empire building seems to be happening again and once again at other people's expenses.

I am concerned we where promised by the new CEO Cameron Boardman greatly reduced auDA spending, far greater accountability and transparency, lower wholesale .au pricing but I have my doubts.

Welcome Paul.
It's good to see your posts between here and domainer.
I think you've hit the nail on the head with how many of we ex-staff feel.