October 1, 2018
A new constitution for auDA was approved last week, enabling Australia’s .au domain name administrator to continue with reforms.
.au Domain Administration Ltd (auDA) is the policy authority and industry self-regulatory body for the .au domain space.
The new constitution received the green light at an Extraordinary General Meeting held last Thursday and is part of changes triggered by the first government review of the organisation in 17 years.
The changes will see a two-year transition period to a single class of member (Associate Member), with member consent, which will be open to any applicant who is eligible to hold a .au domain name licence.
Other changes include a new of level corporate responsibility, whereby a board model will be implemented using six independent directors including the chair and four directors elected by the Associate Members. If Governing Members or Associate Members are concerned with the performance of the Board or a director, they will be able to lodge a complaint with the Nomination Committee.
The Nomination Committee, which is yet to be determined, will consist of the independent chair of auDA, a Government representative and one or two representatives (each) from the domain industry, the business sector, consumers and the Associate Members. The inaugural Nomination Committee will be appointed as soon as practical after confirmation is received from the Department of Communications and the Arts (DoCA).
The Transition Date will be the second anniversary of adoption of the constitution, unless the number of Associate Members reaches 12,500 before this date. In that scenario, the Board will consult with DoCA and on the basis DoCA does not disagree, will bring forward the Transition Date.
Declaring that auDA is now "fit for purpose", auDA CEO Cameron Boardman said the body was ready to grow with the .au namespace.
“The government review was adamant that auDA must reform itself to meet the needs of the 21st century”, said Mr. Boardman. “As the backbone of Australia’s digital economy auDA is now in an even better position to manage the internet in the interest of all Australians."
An FAQ on the constitution reforms can be found here.
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