Board Minutes - 4 February 2002
Public Version
Meeting of the .au Domain Administration Board
4 February 2002 - 1.00pm
.au Domain Administration Limited. 107 Faraday Street. Carlton VIC 3053
Present:
Chris Chaundy, Greg Crew, Kim Davies, Peter Dean, Chris Disspain, Kim Heitman, David Keegel, Jo Lim, Michael Malone, Peter Nissen, Josh Rowe, Tony Staley, Greg Watson and Liz Williams
Observers:
Michelle Scott (NOIE) and John Higgins (Hayes Knight)
Apologies:
Patrick Corliss
1. Continuous Disclosure
PC, PD, MM and JR advised that they have submitted applications for generic domain names through the auction process, and/or they have advised other applicants.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the November 2001 meeting were approved.
3. Finance Report
The Finance Committee considered the accounts and budget prior to the board meeting. The Jan-Jun 2002 budget has been re-cast to take account of the revised transition timeline, and additional sources of funding (eg. generics auction).
Motion (GC proposed, KH seconded): That the November and December 2001 accounts are accepted, and the budget for Jan-Jun 2002 is approved. Carried.
Action: CEO to prepare draft 2002/03 budget for consideration by the board at the next meeting.
4. CEO Report
The following issues were noted:
Transfers between registrars is a critical issue and should be resolved prior to go live. auDA can draw on ICANN experience, as well as similar experience in the telecommunications industry. Action: LW to draft issues paper for the board.
No changes proposed to the current Delegations of Authority. The amount at which contracts must go out to tender is set at $20,000.
5. auDA Domain Name Fee for org.au
The board noted that the proposed registry fee for org.au ($12.00 including the auDA DNF of $11.00) is already much lower than the other 2LDs. The board’s view was that there are few if any disadvantages in a small charge for org.au domains, but a number of advantages. Most organisations, even not-for-profits and charities, can afford to pay for domain name registration. However the current arrangement has resulted in a significant number of "dead wood" domains; those that have been registered in the past but are no longer being used. In addition, it was felt that a small charge would be jusitifed by registrant's expectations of a minimum level of service for the domain, something that is not provided under current arrangements. Finally, the board could not see a reason why org.au should receive preferential treatment over other 2LDs (especially asn.au, whose registrants also include not-for-profits).
Motion (GW proposed, JR seconded): That the auDA Domain Name Fee for org.au should be maintained. Carried.
6. New com.au policy – meaning of “close and substantial connection”
The board discussed the meaning of the new “close and substantial connection” rule as it applies in com.au (and net.au). The board acknowledged comments provided by Name Panel Chair Derek Whitehead, in support of a more flexible interpretation. The board also noted that one of its guiding policy principles is the facilitation of industry growth and business development.
Motion (LW proposed, GC seconded): That the board clarify that the “close and substantial connection” rule refers to a connection between the domain name and a name of the registrant (ie. including the registrant’s company/business name or trade mark, and the name of the registrant’s products and services). Carried. DK voted against the motion. PD, MM and JR did not vote.
7. New Names Advisory Panel
The board agreed that auDA would issue a call for proposals for new 2LDs, and set the selection criteria to be used by the Panel in assessing the proposals. Different criteria may be relevant for open and closed domains. The Panel will be asked to provide clear recommendations to the board, in particular showing how each successful proposal rates against the selection criteria. The Panel will also be asked to recommend a process for future consideration of new 2LD proposals on an ongoing basis, possibly as an administrative process by auDA staff.
Action: CPO to re-draft Panel Terms of Reference for board approval.
Action: auDA staff to draft selection criteria for new 2LDs, for board approval.
8. Code of Practice
The closing date for nominations for the Code drafting committee was 25 January. Committee membership will be announced once an additional consumer representative has been confirmed. The first committee meeting will be held in mid-February.
9. Membership
The members listed below were accepted in the classes indicated.
Mark Cheeseman (demand)
Christopher Norman (demand)
The Aussie Internet (supply)
Domain Registration Services (supply)
Mediakinetix (supply)
Webaccess (supply)
Teragen Pty Ltd (supply)
Sebastian Filzek (demand)
James Mitchell (demand)
Mark Jarvis (demand)
IntaServe (supply)
TotalNIC (supply)
SecureNet Ltd (supply)
Peter Nissen (demand)
Brett Howell (demand)
Internet Business Corp Ltd (supply)
Action: CEO to draft issues paper for the board on proposed changes to membership fees, including any necessary constitutional changes. GC offered to assist.
Action: LW to draft issues paper for the board on membership outreach to existing and potential new members, including possible services that could be provided to members and a process for regular review of auDA policy.
10. Other Business
The board agreed to add a standing agenda item dealing with board correspondence.
11. Revised 2002 Meeting Schedule
The next board meeting will be held on Monday 8 April 2002 at 11am.
The board will meet on 8 April, 17 June, 12 August, 14 October.