Board Minutes - 14 October 2002

Public Version
Meeting of the .au Domain Administration Board

14 October 2002 - 1.00pm
.au Domain Administration Limited. 107 Faraday Street. Carlton VIC 3053

Present:
Chris Chaundy, Patrick Corliss, Greg Crew, Chris Disspain, Kim Heitman, David Keegel, Jo Lim, Michael Malone, Peter Nissen, Josh Rowe, Tony Staley

Teleconference:
Greg Watson

Observers:
Allan Lebusque (NOIE), John Higgins (Hayes Knight), Craig Ng (Maddocks) and Derek Whitehead (Swinburne Uni)

Apologies:
Kim Davies, Peter Dean and Liz Williams


1. Continuous Disclosure
No new declarations of interest were made at the meeting.

2. Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the August 2002 meeting were approved.

3. Finance Report
The board approved the finance report. The 2001-02 audited accounts have been signed. There was a significant increase in members funds from the previous year, due to revenue raised by the generics auction.

The board noted that monthly income received from the auDA Domain Name Fee (implemented on 1 July) is currently running over-budget, however this is offset to some extent by the increased legal costs incurred by auDA with respect to the action against Internet Registry.

4. auDA Foundation

The board considered the sub-committee's report. It was suggested that a sunset clause be included, to provide a review point for the Foundation to ensure that sufficient funds remain and that the Foundation continues to meet its objectives. Details of the grants process and selection criteria will need to be refined by the Foundation board, in consultation with the auDA board.

Motion (proposed KH, seconded JR): That the board approve the sub-committee's report and proceed with implementation of the auDA Foundation. Carried.

5. New Names Advisory Panel

DW presented the Panel's Interim Report to the board.

    New 2LDs selection criteria and process

The board commended the Panel on an excellent report, and agreed that the Panel is acting responsibly in raising the broad policy implications of its work at this time. The board expressed full confidence in the Panel's handling of the process to date.

Motion (proposed MM, seconded DK): That the board agree that the Panel proceed to evaluate new 2LD proposals according to its understanding of the selection criteria and process as set out in the Interim Report. Carried.

    Geographic 2LDs

The board expressed in principle support for the Panel's recommendations regarding new geographic 2LDs. However, the board was concerned about the apparent low level of public response and participation in the process, and asked the CEO to attempt to raise awareness among the media. The board felt that is was necessary for the public to have a further opportunity to comment on the Panel's recommendations on new geographic 2LDs.

The board noted that the creation of wa.au, sa.au and nt.au might breach ICANN's restriction on using TLDs as lower level domains. It was agreed that auDA would request an exemption from ICANN, on the basis that the community benefits in using the recognisable abbreviations for Australian states and territories outweigh any technical disadvantage.

Action: The Panel will undertake a final round of public consultation on geographic 2LDs, before submitting its final recommendations on the OCOS proposal.

6. edu.au

PN declared his interest in edu.au management issues, as a representative of education and training stakeholders. Progress on the transfer of management of edu.au from auDA to AICTEC was discussed.

7. Policy Development

    Transfer of domain name licences between registrants

The board approved the amended Transfers Policy, permitting a transfer where a dispute between the parties has been settled prior to litigation or arbitration. The board noted that transfers are processed manually by AusRegistry, thereby providing a checkpoint for auDA to investigate transfers that may be in breach of the policy.

Action: JL to request AusRegistry to notify auDA when a transfer is processed.

8. AGM Arrangements

The AGM will be held on Monday 11 November 2002 at 11am, at Maddocks. The main agenda items are the election of a new board and a resolution to approve the increase in independent directors' fees.

9. Membership

auDA currently has approximately 70 financial members. The board agreed to send a final notice to all non-financial members giving them 30 days to pay their account, after which time their membership will be terminated (in accordance with the process outlined in auDA's Constitution).

The members listed below were accepted in the classes indicated.

Samuel Bauers (demand)
Netmastery Pty Ltd (supply)
BKB Computer Services (supply)
Adrian Chadd (demand)
Paul Day (demand)
Michelle Dixon (demand)
Enetica Pty Ltd (supply)
Express Domains (supply)
David Greenland (demand)
Robert Gregory (demand)
Host 1 Pty Ltd (supply)
Ilisys Internet (supply)
Cheryl Langdon-Orr (demand)
Master Plumbers and Mechanical Services Association of Australia (rep assoc)
Mort Bay Communications Pty Ltd (supply)
Stephen Moulton (demand)
Australian Retailers Association (rep assoc)
Sanctum Internet Pty Ltd (supply)
Telstra Corporation Pty Ltd (supply)
Chris Wright (demand)
Brett Zezulka (demand)
AusRegistry Pty Ltd (supply)

10. GST

The board agreed that auDA will require all foreign registrars to register in Australia for GST purposes, in accordance with advice received from the Australian Taxation Office.

11. Board correspondence

The board noted the following correspondence:

    Dharmamati Dharmamati, regarding the introduction of a fee for org.au names.
    Brian Goodchild, Committee for Geographical Names in Australasia, regarding the restriction on geographic domain names in com.au and net.au.
    Jesmond Camilleri, Telstra, regarding auDA's Transfers Policy. The board noted that Mr Camilleri's comments will be taken into account when auDA reviews this policy in early 2003.

12. Other Business

    auDA goals for 2003

The CEO has prepared an overview of auDA's goals for 2003, which will be further developed in consultation with the board and staff.

    Retiring directors

CC, PC and LW advised that they will not re-stand for election at the AGM.

The board thanked CC for his significant contribution to auDA and the Australian DNS, his technical expertise and goodwill have been much appreciated.

The board acknowledged PC for his unique charm and participation in auDA's activities over the past 2 years.

The board registered LW's enthusiasm and in particular her efforts to develop the industry Code of Practice, and wished her well in her future endeavours in the international DNS.

13. Next Meeting

The next board meeting will be held on Monday 11 November 2002 at 2pm, after the AGM.