auDA AGM Overview

There’s lots to write about the auDA AGM, but I’ve been on a break for the past week, so haven’t got around to it as quickly as I had hoped.

Overview

This was the sixth AGM I have attended, so I think I’m well placed to compare and comment! So here are my “pros and cons” – the “positives” far outweighed the “negatives” in my opinion.

Cons:

• The location. Transport to the venue not easy if you’re from interstate. I also had difficulty finding the actual room being used within the huge Technology Campus (and I was not the only one!).

• Given a lot of members dissatisfaction with previous travel spending by auDA Board Members and staff, I do wonder about the need to hold the meeting in Sydney (and for that matter outside of the CBD). Most were flown up the night before and put up at the Hilton. I questioned this privately, and was told that the auDA Board felt the need to expand beyond Melbourne for the benefits of non Victorian members. Fair enough – but when there is a turnout of less than 50 – with the majority of those being from auDA – you have to ask if it was really worth it.

Pros:

• The format was vastly improved from previous years. Only the Chairman and CEO sat up front; the Directors were interspersed amongst the public.

• Anyone who had a question was allowed to ask it. Not many answers were “fob off’s”. Obviously, there are some issues still under investigation which couldn’t be decisively commented on.

• The Q & A session went for longer than was obviously expected, so the Chairman made a really good call in postponing a tour of the technology facility.

• The Chairman and CEO are a total breath of fresh air compared to what used to be. I believe that this augurs well for the future – particularly if they are genuine about wanting to consult and involve stakeholders along the way.

Future Topics

This is what I intend to cover in coming days.

• The question and answer session (because of my shocking memory, I did record everything).

• Why I believe the “Special Resolution” was voted down by Demand Class.

• My thoughts on the election of Tim Connell; and the re-election of Simon Johnson.

• Voting issues and possible reforms.

• Direct Registrations.

• The upcoming Registry re-tender.

Do you have any comments or questions?

Until next time.

Ned O’Meara – 6th December 2016