neddy
Top Contributor
Unfortunately, the room was swept for bugs, and my listening device was found and disabled.
Members Are Grumpy auDA!
- Thread starter neddy
- Start date
DomainNames
Top Contributor
Unfortunately, the room was swept for bugs, and my listening device was found and disabled.
When will yesterday's auDA Board meeting agenda, minutes and resolutions be on the auDA website?
Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, Singapore, ICAAN etc all do this so what not in Australia with the "new" improved accountable and transparent auDA these days?
CANADA CIRA https://cira.ca/about-cira/board-and-governance/meeting-agendas-and-minutes
Bacon Farmer
Top Contributor
Unfortunately, the room was swept for bugs, and my listening device was found and disabled.
Hearing aid?
Suzabro
Administrator
Hi all, thanks for clarifying Ned. I’ve updated the original post to refer to the correct member.
Bacon Farmer
Top Contributor
Resolution 4 should be passed easily now.
DomainNames
Top Contributor
auDA dismisses the member concerns again?
https://auda.org.au/mailouts/Members+Newsletter/auDA+Members'+Newsletter+June+–+July+2017
https://auda.org.au/mailouts/Members+Newsletter/auDA+Members'+Newsletter+June+–+July+2017
"4 July 2017 | auDA MEMBERS’ NEWSLETTER
VIEW ONLINE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Special General Meeting Notification
The auDA Board has acknowledged a petition submitted by a number of members calling for a Special General Meeting (SGM) pursuant to Section 249 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Included in this notice were 4 proposed resolutions to be moved at the SGM:
Resolution 1
“That all historical Board Minutes, Agendas and Reports (public versions) are restored to the auDA website; and that future Board Minutes, Agendas and Reports (public versions) are published in a timely manner.”
Resolution 2
“That the recently imposed Members Code of Conduct is in contravention of (13.3) and (29) of the auDA Constitution, and therefore needs to be suspended until approved by a special resolution of Members.”
Resolution 3
“That auDA is not a wholesale registry as defined by its OBJECTS and Principal Purposes under (3) of the auDA Constitution. If auDA wishes to change its purposes, objects or scope, then it must first put a special resolution to its Members by virtue of (16.3.d) of the Constitution.”
Resolution 4
“That Stuart Benjamin be removed as a director of the Company with immediate effect.”
auDA has obtained legal advice which has confirmed that the proposals 1, 2 and 3 are invalid and will not be included on the agenda for the SGM. Proposal 4 will be included on the agenda.
This newsletter addresses issues raised by members regarding historical board papers and the Code of Conduct. Further statements regarding the Registry Transformation Project will be made separately.
A notice outlining the details of the SGM will be issued this week, in addition to further information regarding the proposed resolutions.
It is the stated intention of the auDA Board and management to improve the organisation’s governance in addition to addressing some member concerns regarding communications. These issues were discussed in detail at the recent member meet-up in Melbourne, and have been the subject of a number of member newsletters.
auDA is an organisation that is changing, for the better and through necessity. The organisation has extensively considered member feedback in regards to recent initiatives and is committed to further improvement. This newsletter addresses some of these issues and we encourage further feedback through engagement@auda.org.au.
Direct Registration Update
As was mentioned in last month’s member newsletter, the stakeholder research component to inform the policy development of Direct Registration is now complete. We are pleased to share the reports compiled for both phases of the research:
Phase One (Qualitative I) – PDF
Phase Two (Quantitative and Qualitative II) — PDF
This research was conducted to provide a greater level of stakeholder engagement prior to the drafting of the policy, in accordance with the wishes of members and stakeholders. This research is just one part of the policy development process, which will also include the 2015 Names Policy Panel report, the Minority report, international benchmarking and expert independent policy input from the Direct Registration Advisory Panel. Work has now commenced on drafting the policy and, once complete, it will be released for public comment.
Once a clear policy direction for Direct Registration is established, the process of offering .au through the sales channel and the development of a large scale, nationwide education and awareness campaign will begin. This will take careful planning, as well as considerable time. The ultimate date for the implementation of Direct Registration is not settled, however it will be unlikely that this will occur before July 1, 2018. We anticipate this will align with the new Registry arrangements being in place.
We will keep you abreast of the policy drafting and look forward to your feedback at that time."
VIEW ONLINE
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Special General Meeting Notification
The auDA Board has acknowledged a petition submitted by a number of members calling for a Special General Meeting (SGM) pursuant to Section 249 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). Included in this notice were 4 proposed resolutions to be moved at the SGM:
Resolution 1
“That all historical Board Minutes, Agendas and Reports (public versions) are restored to the auDA website; and that future Board Minutes, Agendas and Reports (public versions) are published in a timely manner.”
Resolution 2
“That the recently imposed Members Code of Conduct is in contravention of (13.3) and (29) of the auDA Constitution, and therefore needs to be suspended until approved by a special resolution of Members.”
Resolution 3
“That auDA is not a wholesale registry as defined by its OBJECTS and Principal Purposes under (3) of the auDA Constitution. If auDA wishes to change its purposes, objects or scope, then it must first put a special resolution to its Members by virtue of (16.3.d) of the Constitution.”
Resolution 4
“That Stuart Benjamin be removed as a director of the Company with immediate effect.”
auDA has obtained legal advice which has confirmed that the proposals 1, 2 and 3 are invalid and will not be included on the agenda for the SGM. Proposal 4 will be included on the agenda.
This newsletter addresses issues raised by members regarding historical board papers and the Code of Conduct. Further statements regarding the Registry Transformation Project will be made separately.
A notice outlining the details of the SGM will be issued this week, in addition to further information regarding the proposed resolutions.
It is the stated intention of the auDA Board and management to improve the organisation’s governance in addition to addressing some member concerns regarding communications. These issues were discussed in detail at the recent member meet-up in Melbourne, and have been the subject of a number of member newsletters.
auDA is an organisation that is changing, for the better and through necessity. The organisation has extensively considered member feedback in regards to recent initiatives and is committed to further improvement. This newsletter addresses some of these issues and we encourage further feedback through engagement@auda.org.au.
Direct Registration Update
As was mentioned in last month’s member newsletter, the stakeholder research component to inform the policy development of Direct Registration is now complete. We are pleased to share the reports compiled for both phases of the research:
Phase One (Qualitative I) – PDF
Phase Two (Quantitative and Qualitative II) — PDF
This research was conducted to provide a greater level of stakeholder engagement prior to the drafting of the policy, in accordance with the wishes of members and stakeholders. This research is just one part of the policy development process, which will also include the 2015 Names Policy Panel report, the Minority report, international benchmarking and expert independent policy input from the Direct Registration Advisory Panel. Work has now commenced on drafting the policy and, once complete, it will be released for public comment.
Once a clear policy direction for Direct Registration is established, the process of offering .au through the sales channel and the development of a large scale, nationwide education and awareness campaign will begin. This will take careful planning, as well as considerable time. The ultimate date for the implementation of Direct Registration is not settled, however it will be unlikely that this will occur before July 1, 2018. We anticipate this will align with the new Registry arrangements being in place.
We will keep you abreast of the policy drafting and look forward to your feedback at that time."
DomainNames
Top Contributor
Continued
https://auda.org.au/mailouts/Members+Newsletter/auDA+Members'+Newsletter+June+–+July+2017
https://auda.org.au/mailouts/Members+Newsletter/auDA+Members'+Newsletter+June+–+July+2017
"Policy Review Panel
Expressions of Interest for Chairman
CEO Cameron Boardman announced at the 2016 AGM that we will be undertaking a complete review of all auDA policies. After a preliminary assessment, we believe there are considerable improvements that can and need to be made to our policies. Given the scale and time that will be dedicated to this review process, we believe the most efficient way to undertake such a substantial volume of work is through the convening of a Policy Review Panel.
The Policy Review Panel will be required to sit for a 12 month period to review all draft and final policies — including the Direct Registration final policy — to ensure consistency and due process are followed throughout the review.
We are pleased to put out a public call for Expressions of Interest to qualified individuals who wish to be considered as Chair of this Panel. auDA will also be conducting a search exercise for the position of Chair, however we are encouraging members to respond to the EOI. Unsuccessful candidates will be automatically considered as potential Panel members, following the appointment of the Chair which will occur at the July board meeting. A further public call for panel members will be made following the Chair’s appointment in late July. It is anticipated that the Panel will be formed and commence in August.
Expressions of Interest can be sent to engagement@auda.org.au outlining your policy development experience, along with relevant industry knowledge, leadership skills and business acumen. We are seeking objective, experienced and qualified individuals. Travel costs for participants located outside Victoria will be covered by auDA. Deadline for receipt of applications is close of business, Wednesday 19 July.
Registry Transformation Project
Update on the Request for Expressions of Interest
As you will have read in a statement on 28 June, the Request for Expressions of Interest closed last week. While auDA’s RTP team are the only staff with access to the submissions, we have been assured the volume and quality of submissions has been impressive. auDA received a total of 15 responses – 12 full responses to the REOI and 3 specialist, tailored responses from a mix of Australian and international responders. We will be making further announcements regarding the advisory and evaluation process in the near future.
Registrar Meet and Greet Program
The auDA Compliance team have been undertaking a roadshow of their own over the past month, visiting all auDA accredited Registrars. The aim of this process is to better understand the sales channel’s needs, hear directly the most pressing issues Registrars face as well as the potential for improving our support of their work.
This program is almost complete and will be concluded with a Registrar round table event with members of the auDA Board. We will continue to engage with Registrars on this personal level in order to help build a stronger and more effective supply side for the benefit of the entire Australian domain name industry.
Member Meet-ups
Next meet-up in Sydney on 19 July 2017
We were delighted to host our first in the series of Member Meet-ups at our Carlton offices for 2017. CEO Cameron Boardman elaborated on auDA’s way forward and answered questions from attendees. Also present from auDA were Board director Tim Connell, Helen Hollins (Director Communications, Marketing and Engagement), and Richard McKenzie (Marketing and Research Coordinator).
The extensive and thorough discussion broached a number of important topics, including auDA’s future strategy, direct registration, the Registry Transformation Project, governance and accountability, and a variety of topics in between.
The video of the meet-up is now available to view.
We will be continuing this program on a regular basis across Australia and are pleased to announce the next Member Meet-up will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, on Wednesday 19 July, from 5–6 pm. In attendance will be CEO, Cameron Boardman, with other staff to be advised. RSVP to engagement@auda.org.au by Monday 17 July to register your attendance.
Member Code of Conduct
In response to member feedback regarding the Code of Conduct, the board of auDA has considered all views and has resolved to remove the option of the auDA Board to “temporarily suspend membership until conflicting behaviours are resolved” from the Code. The Code of Conduct remains an important part of promoting a positive and inclusive space for all members, auDA staff and broader .au stakeholders, but we have taken on board feedback and will adapt the Code accordingly. Thank you for your contributions and for your support of a more respectful and open level of interaction.
Past Board Papers
While we stand by the need to adhere to best practice regarding the governance of the organisation, we accept the feedback that past Board papers do not necessarily affect that adherence. The Board has approved the reinstatement of past Board papers and Board member listings, as archived on the current auDA website. The website will be updated to reflect this resolution within the week of receipt of this email.
We maintain the Board’s decision that all future Board papers (from 13 February 2017) will not be published on the website, with the monthly auDA Members’ Newsletter hosting Board updates as well as the regular Member Meet-ups providing an opportunity for two-way conversation. Thank you again for your feedback and we now look forward to continuing to implement the Governance plans as promised at the 2016 AGM. "
Expressions of Interest for Chairman
CEO Cameron Boardman announced at the 2016 AGM that we will be undertaking a complete review of all auDA policies. After a preliminary assessment, we believe there are considerable improvements that can and need to be made to our policies. Given the scale and time that will be dedicated to this review process, we believe the most efficient way to undertake such a substantial volume of work is through the convening of a Policy Review Panel.
The Policy Review Panel will be required to sit for a 12 month period to review all draft and final policies — including the Direct Registration final policy — to ensure consistency and due process are followed throughout the review.
We are pleased to put out a public call for Expressions of Interest to qualified individuals who wish to be considered as Chair of this Panel. auDA will also be conducting a search exercise for the position of Chair, however we are encouraging members to respond to the EOI. Unsuccessful candidates will be automatically considered as potential Panel members, following the appointment of the Chair which will occur at the July board meeting. A further public call for panel members will be made following the Chair’s appointment in late July. It is anticipated that the Panel will be formed and commence in August.
Expressions of Interest can be sent to engagement@auda.org.au outlining your policy development experience, along with relevant industry knowledge, leadership skills and business acumen. We are seeking objective, experienced and qualified individuals. Travel costs for participants located outside Victoria will be covered by auDA. Deadline for receipt of applications is close of business, Wednesday 19 July.
Registry Transformation Project
Update on the Request for Expressions of Interest
As you will have read in a statement on 28 June, the Request for Expressions of Interest closed last week. While auDA’s RTP team are the only staff with access to the submissions, we have been assured the volume and quality of submissions has been impressive. auDA received a total of 15 responses – 12 full responses to the REOI and 3 specialist, tailored responses from a mix of Australian and international responders. We will be making further announcements regarding the advisory and evaluation process in the near future.
Registrar Meet and Greet Program
The auDA Compliance team have been undertaking a roadshow of their own over the past month, visiting all auDA accredited Registrars. The aim of this process is to better understand the sales channel’s needs, hear directly the most pressing issues Registrars face as well as the potential for improving our support of their work.
This program is almost complete and will be concluded with a Registrar round table event with members of the auDA Board. We will continue to engage with Registrars on this personal level in order to help build a stronger and more effective supply side for the benefit of the entire Australian domain name industry.
Member Meet-ups
Next meet-up in Sydney on 19 July 2017
We were delighted to host our first in the series of Member Meet-ups at our Carlton offices for 2017. CEO Cameron Boardman elaborated on auDA’s way forward and answered questions from attendees. Also present from auDA were Board director Tim Connell, Helen Hollins (Director Communications, Marketing and Engagement), and Richard McKenzie (Marketing and Research Coordinator).
The extensive and thorough discussion broached a number of important topics, including auDA’s future strategy, direct registration, the Registry Transformation Project, governance and accountability, and a variety of topics in between.
The video of the meet-up is now available to view.
We will be continuing this program on a regular basis across Australia and are pleased to announce the next Member Meet-up will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney, on Wednesday 19 July, from 5–6 pm. In attendance will be CEO, Cameron Boardman, with other staff to be advised. RSVP to engagement@auda.org.au by Monday 17 July to register your attendance.
Member Code of Conduct
In response to member feedback regarding the Code of Conduct, the board of auDA has considered all views and has resolved to remove the option of the auDA Board to “temporarily suspend membership until conflicting behaviours are resolved” from the Code. The Code of Conduct remains an important part of promoting a positive and inclusive space for all members, auDA staff and broader .au stakeholders, but we have taken on board feedback and will adapt the Code accordingly. Thank you for your contributions and for your support of a more respectful and open level of interaction.
Past Board Papers
While we stand by the need to adhere to best practice regarding the governance of the organisation, we accept the feedback that past Board papers do not necessarily affect that adherence. The Board has approved the reinstatement of past Board papers and Board member listings, as archived on the current auDA website. The website will be updated to reflect this resolution within the week of receipt of this email.
We maintain the Board’s decision that all future Board papers (from 13 February 2017) will not be published on the website, with the monthly auDA Members’ Newsletter hosting Board updates as well as the regular Member Meet-ups providing an opportunity for two-way conversation. Thank you again for your feedback and we now look forward to continuing to implement the Governance plans as promised at the 2016 AGM. "
DomainNames
Top Contributor
So no future board papers, agendas, minutes to be published? What is the excuse.. Every other Domain Name Admin body does this globally as standard "best practice... accountable and transparent".
DomainNames
Top Contributor
Tim no need to comment mate I know your opinions on my posts and censorship as a board member ...bye the way "less is not more" as auDA and the Board should also have learn't by now.domainnames, you posted the link to the newsletter ! why are you posting the newsletter?
i know snoopy may have just paws but he can click a link i think
tim
....The newsletter is posted to be picked up in google and also in case auDA deletes it or moves the link..... again....
People can scroll past it easily if bored.. others do read it here... How can we ever trust the auDA website again to have the content long term? As an auDA Board Member you should be clearly aware of everyone's concerns about transparency, accountability and deleted content censorship etc and perhaps not vote "unanimous" as they seem to claim occurs.
findtim
Top Contributor
then as a member of dnt my personal suggestion is that your post of this item seems valid but would be better served in its own thread entitled "auda july 2017 newsletter", rather then clog up this one. + more valid for google imo
just my personal opinion for the the benefit of dnt, keen to hear other members opinions?
tim
Scott7
Top Contributor
Nice pic of Snoopy filling out a Melbourne IT COR form with his trusty typewriter. Nothing like being at the cutting edge of technology.i know snoopy may have just paws but he can click a link i think
DomainNames
Top Contributor
Tim would you like to take the same level of interest and time to discuss the newsletter items instead?
A lot of members opinions asked for those Resolutions which auDA says are "invalid".
It would be great to hear your personal views of the Resolutions and the auDA response.
This way the topic is talked about not just moved. The newsletter content is related to the post thread Members are Grumpy auDA.
I look forward to the updates here www.grumpy.com.au.
I guess a lot of the members will be even more grumpy with the auDA response.
Personally I am not impressed.
Strange they even left Resolution 4 in for the SGM... Does that mean it is "Valid" ?
"Resolution 4
That Stuart Benjamin be removed as a director of the Company with immediate effect.”
Lemon
Top Contributor
Considering the Department of Communications and the Arts has ruled under the Freedom of Information Act that 115 documents that auDA removed from their website be made available to the public and have not ruled out that future minutes can be also requested under the FOI act.
Personally I see no reason for Resolurion 1 to be invalid and should not be put to the vote.
findtim
Top Contributor
domain names i have taken a HUGE level of interest at board level, that 's my role as a director, the details are presently not open for discussion here and have been explained in the newsletter.
there is an election coming up, please free to nominate
tim
Lemon
Top Contributor
I assume this board resolution was noted in the minutes of the last board meeting and look forward to future FOI requests to see how the board voted. It will be interesting to see who was for and against it.
DomainNames
Top Contributor
Yes. You can be guaranteed you will not be receiving votes via me and numerous others this year. The main reason for this non voting for you again is that you have stated you vote "unanimously" with the auDA Board but you the say the opposite here on those issues in the past, on the phone or via messages.
You says it is your role as an auDA Director to take time on this forum. Where are all the other auDA Directors if this is a role for an auDA Director? I doubt some even read it they are on so many other boards or seemingly wish to put their heads in the sand on issues !
I for one would rather have been the 1 person who stood my ground for what was right. For example Resolutions 1, 2,3. Yet we see that Cameron Boardman auDA Ceo says the board was firm and unanimous against changing them etc.
It is shameful auDA and the auDA Board members ( including you so auDA says as they say it is again "unanimous auDA Board decided) will now still refuse to put up the future board agenda, meetings, minutes etc and that the COC is still there as a threat to members. No other global domain name admin has such disdain for members or even public rights to information, accountability and transparency.
What we have noted is your time spent to try and get threads off topic and even some muting censorship here. This is not the Tim we all knew and had trusted to vote for.
Did you end up talking to the Department of Communications yourself to express your concerns? That would have also provided you with some fall back.
Now I am guessing the Special meeting which has been called will delve deeper into legality for auDA and the auDA Board.
Some lawyers signed the petition and as most people know many members from both Supply and Demand.
http://www.grumpy.com.au/petition/
http://www.domainer.com.au/auda-ignores-members-requests
Bacon Farmer
Top Contributor
"All views were considered...."
Nobody asked me about the CoC!
Oh well at least we have resolution 4.
Nobody asked me about the CoC!
Oh well at least we have resolution 4.
Scott.L
Top Contributor
auDA is showing you that it is in a position of financial strength to oppress its members and defend itself at the expense of the very people it claims to represent, for what? Can you imagine the financial power they will wield with $20-30+ Million dollars per annum in registry income...?
at the member meet-up the CEO said, "I concede that word "in-house" was clumsy" well, what is it then...? Luke enquired about the registry model [40:44] and gave some examples, Cameron responded;
“I am trying to do, through this process, is ensure there is consolidation that this asset will remain in the ownership of Australians, now we have not determined what that looks like…”
The CEO doesnt have a plan for the RTP... apparently, he doesnt know what it will look like...
Dec 2016 -
Cameron - "hey I got an idea, lets build our own registry...all in favor say yes" Say....YES.
Directors - "Cool, now what?"
Cameron - "Well, we wait 3 or more months and tell everyone something stupid".
Directors - "What will we tell them?"
Cameron - "I dunno, we'll make it up as we go, all in favor Say yes...Say.... Yesssss."
whooops, did you do that "clumsy" wording thing again Cam. I dare Cameron and the board, prove your claim of ownership rights of the .au ccTLD before you make assertions that Australians own it as an asset.
GAC Principle 9.1.4 Confirmation that the ccTLD is operated in trust in the public interest and that the delegee does not acquire property rights to the ccTLD itself
auDA has no property rights to the ccTLD itself and this is demonstrated by the terms of the Letter ("the management and administration of the au ccTLD are subject to the ultimate authority of the Commonwealth of Australia;") and Clause 8 of its Constitution.
- to mange and administer NOT to OWN.
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