On Thursday 27 September 2018, auDA members overwhelmingly approved (100% of Supply members and approximately 97% of demand members) the abolition of the outdated membership model of Supply and Demand membership, and the adoption of a new constitution.
The new constitution heralds a new beginning for auDA with a modern governance framework, which makes the organisation more professional and free from the disruption of a small group of members. The new model envisages a single class of membership at the end of the transition period. The majority of Directors will now be independent, rather than member elected, with the number of elected directors reducing from 8 to 4. All directors will now need to be vetted and approved by the Nominations Committee, which will ensure that all directors meet a skills matrix and probity checks (including police and bankruptcy checks).
In addition to governance changes the new constitution addresses conflicting and poorly drafted provisions which were not fit for purpose as found in the recent Government review of auDA. The organisation had not had a review in over 17 years of operation.
The changes will enable auDA to adapt to the significantly evolving online space, and the modern demands on ccTLD operators.
auDA has made it clear that while the constitution has been changed, the multi-stakeholder method of policy review and development remains. The multi-stakeholder models ensures the views of all stakeholders are heard.
The reform process as recommended by the government review remains ongoing, and members will continue to see the fruits of these reforms, especially stability.
.au domains continue to be one of the world’s most trusted name spaces, including by independent organisation such as SpamHaus.
Earlier this year auDA and Afilias undertook the world’s largest registry transition without downtime, a feat which was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.
Welcome to auDA 2.0!
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