auDA Needs Real Change

Following the Special Members Meeting that auDA was required to hold on 31st July, it’s obvious to many that auDA needs real change to bring it back to being a truly representative membership organisation.

Change starts at the top, and members have achieved that by sending a resounding message to the current Board and CEO.

The Deputy Chair and CEO (and by association the rest of the Board) have said that “they are now listening” to members. Let’s see if that becomes reality rather than a sound bite.

Demand Class Members Need Representation

auDA Board elections are only 3 months away, and two positions are up for grabs. The two Directors below must “retire”, but they are able to offer themselves for re-election.

Grant Wiltshire was elected in 2015, and I have no idea whether he intends to stand again. I have no personal animosity towards Grant – in fact, he seems a nice guy. But the fact is, he was brought into the organisation by Stuart Benjamin (ex-Chair). They both live in Ballarat, and have at various times been on the same Boards or committees in other organisations.

Dr Michaella Richards was brought in to replace Miguel Wood. The way she was appointed is subject to ongoing conjecture (which simply won’t go away). However, what far more concerns me (and many others) is that she has absolutely no “demand class” experience. She is obviously extremely talented in her own field, but “horses for courses” should always apply.

I would respectfully ask both Grant and Michaella not to seek re-election. We need a “clean slate”.

Our Candidates

After a lot of discussion amongst demand class members, it was considered important that two good candidates put up their hands now. That way they can engage with fellow members, and build on the momentum we have created via the recent Special Members Meeting. When election time comes around in the next few months, they will be well and truly ready.

The great news is that Shane Moore has decided to run again – he just missed out at last year’s election. I reckon he has got a fantastic chance this year – he is your quintessential Demand Class candidate. He understands small businesses (SME’s), and how important domain names are to them. Shane’s candidate statement can be read here.

I have also decided to stand for election. I’ve always resisted in the past for personal and business reasons. However, after the recent shenanigans with auDA and the Grumpy campaign, I feel I have no option but to run – and run hard. I want all domain registrants and other stakeholders to have a strong voice to truly represent them.

Before I made this decision, I first checked with a number of other people who I thought would be equally good candidates. If any of them had wanted to stand this year, I would have gladly stood aside for them. Without exception, they all encouraged me to run. So given that my health is good, I’m raring to go!

I haven’t done a candidate statement as yet, but will do one soon. Most members already know me, and what I stand for, via my history with Domainer.com.au and Grumpy.com.au. 🙂

Why Vote For Us?

♦  Shane and I will make a great team (Young Bull / Old Bull), and you can be absolutely guaranteed that we will represent Demand Class interests.

♦  We both believe in transparency, communication, accountability, and proper procedures being followed.

♦  We love .au!

♦  Neither of us are in favour of direct registrations, and we will do everything possible to argue the futility of proceeding with them. There is simply no demand for them (other than creating artificial growth). Growth in the market should be created by liberalising some existing policy restrictions.

♦  But equally, should they eventually come to pass because the majority of the Board dictate this (after proper procedures and consultation have taken place), we will do everything to ensure that existing com.au registrants have first rights to the .au. More on this in a later article.

♦  Now there may be some people that don’t like me and don’t want to vote for me – and if that’s the case, then no problems. But I reckon you all know one thing – regardless of how you may feel, you know that I will stand up and be counted at auDA. My actions have always spoken louder than my words. I will shake the tree if and when necessary; and I won’t be cowed into silence. 

Should you still decide not to vote for me, I do hope you vote for Shane when the time comes. 🙂

Any Questions / Comments?

If so, fire away here – or you can email Shane; and / or email me.

 

Ned O’Meara – 8th August 2017

 

 

40 thoughts on “auDA Needs Real Change

  • August 9, 2017 at 10:10 am
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    This is wonderful news Ned. Well done to you and Shane for standing!

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  • August 9, 2017 at 10:15 am
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    I’m very pleased that you and Shane are standing for election.

    You’ll both have my votes!

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:32 pm
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      Luke, I was so hoping you would stand instead of me. Like Shane, you are the future of .au.

      But I understand your reasoning this year – and look forward to you putting up your hand next year.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 10:15 am
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    Sound like a breath of fresh air that is badly required

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:30 pm
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      Glady, you’ve seen first hand what has happened at auDA, so you know that change is needed. Thanks for your friendship and support.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 10:46 am
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    About time Ned. Change it from the inside

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:29 pm
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      Gracias Doug.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 10:48 am
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    When you first told me you were running Ned, it was very exciting, and really inspired me to run again.

    auDA does need real change, and whilst there have been some positive recent developments, they only came about as a result of the tireless work of Ned and others.

    So much more needs to be done, and having someone as passionate, experienced, knowledgeable, respected and driven to do the right thing, as Ned is, is a great thing.

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:28 pm
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      @Shane – you are the future. It is my honour to stand with you.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 11:33 am
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    Ned, good luck in your endeavours. It is essential that auDA is brought back to transparency and service to the wider public interest.

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:26 pm
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      Thanks Kim – given your stature in auDA’s history, I very much appreciate your kind words of support.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 11:39 am
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    In recent months, I have followed domainer with interest with regards to various topics including the auDA related issues.

    Your work and passion for this industry definitely shows and is helpful for all involved in the .au space. Well done in standing for election. Good luck Ned!

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:25 pm
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      Good on you Bobby. Thanks mate.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 11:47 am
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    Well what a breath of fresh air you two will bring if elected. I can personally say I have dealt with both Shane and Ned in business and in social meetings and both will bring so much to the table for demand class members.

    That’s great news.

    Don

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:24 pm
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      Really appreciate your support. Thanks Don. Hope Sharon feels the same way. 😉

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  • August 9, 2017 at 12:23 pm
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    Fantastic news.

    Could not think of two more suitable candidates, who I’m sure if elected will not only serve in the best interests of the members and the wider community, but also be accountable, transparent and communicate clearly the members and the public.

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:23 pm
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      That is so eloquent. You should look for a new job as a speech writer! Thanks mate. 🙂

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  • August 9, 2017 at 12:59 pm
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    That’s really good news – both you and Shane make excellent candidates.

    You’ve got my vote 🙂

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:22 pm
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      Thanks Andrew – you’ve seen a few candidates in your time, so your comments give us hope!

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  • August 9, 2017 at 1:13 pm
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    Well done Ned, You gave members a voice to speak out about the issues and I doubt it would have been possible without your enthusiasm, passion and leadership.  

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:21 pm
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      Thanks Scott – but you were very much part of the successful result we all achieved. I appreciate your support and friendship.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 1:47 pm
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    Best news in ages. You both have my support.

    Jeff

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:20 pm
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      Thanks Jeff.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 1:54 pm
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    I can’t say anything better than what has already been said.

    You each have my vote and I not only believe you will both get in, I believe it will help bring the auDA Board closer to being truly balanced for the first time ever.

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:19 pm
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      Thanks young Robert!

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  • August 9, 2017 at 2:03 pm
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    Given your magnificent and instrumental work in calling the current board to account, I’m very pleased to support you and Shane.

     

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:18 pm
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      Thanks David – but I can’t take all the credit. It was definitely a team effort that got the result.

      Shane and I appreciate your support – and your friendship. 🙂

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  • August 9, 2017 at 3:11 pm
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    Ned, Shane’s not that old 🙂

    It’s great to have individuals who are so passionate about the industry to stand up as candidates. You’ve got my vote!

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    • August 9, 2017 at 3:34 pm
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      @Nikki – funny!

      Thanks for your support.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 3:40 pm
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    That is the best news I have heard in a long long time… Congratulations.

    I’m very excited ????

    Vote 1, Ned and Shane ????

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:16 pm
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      Good on you Joel. We’re glad you became a member!

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  • August 9, 2017 at 4:34 pm
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    Hi Ned

    Really pleased you are running Ned. I feel we will get much better representation and a balanced view with you there.

    Mark

     

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    • August 9, 2017 at 6:15 pm
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      Thanks McDuck! 🙂

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  • August 9, 2017 at 6:05 pm
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    So there is hope!! This is awesome news for the industry! auDA’s board needs people like you both in their team for the sake of the majority of Australians who are just not currently being properly represented.

    You guys could do a lot of good! Good luck! Definitely have my vote!

     

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  • August 9, 2017 at 6:11 pm
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    Wonder what auda think right now? The crap can’t continue. Good on you Ned and Shane for having a crack.

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  • August 9, 2017 at 9:15 pm
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    Great to hear you’re both running.

    How does the vote work, can we only vote for one person, or do we get a vote for each vacant position?

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    • August 9, 2017 at 9:23 pm
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      Good question Alex.

      In simple terms you effectively have two votes that you can exercise. You can vote for both of us; one of us; or neither of us!

      You can vote in person if you’re going to be at the AGM in November- or give either Shane or me your proxy to vote on your behalf.

      Ned

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  • August 9, 2017 at 11:47 pm
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    Great news.

    It will be certainly a fun election this year and we will finally get some genuine Demand Class Directors on the board. Can’t wait for the AGM.

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  • August 10, 2017 at 12:14 am
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    Ned, great to see so much support for you & Shane, you can count on my vote also!

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  • August 11, 2017 at 9:40 pm
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    Good. I’ll vote for you even if your only policy is to try and turn around the Sd titanic direct au.

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