Board Minutes - 15 June 2004
Public Version
Meeting of the .au Domain Administration Board
15 June 2004 - 1.00pm
.au Domain Administration Limited, 107 Faraday Street. Carlton VIC 3053
Present:
Larry Bloch, Greg Crew, Ric da Paz, Chris Disspain, Kim Heitman, Jo Lim, Peter Nissen, Josh Rowe, Peter Shilling and Tony Staley
Teleconference:
Cheryl Langdon-Orr and Greg Watson
Observers:
Lindsay Barton (DCITA) and John Higgins (Hayes Knight)
Apologies:
Kim Davies
1. Continuous Disclosure
Ric da Paz advised that he resigned from iiNet Ltd in April 2004.
2. Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the April 2004 meeting were confirmed.
3. Finance Report
The board noted the May accounts, previously approved by the Finance Committee.
The board discussed the draft 2004/05 budget, previously approved by the Finance Committee. The board accepted the Operating Expenses and Income Projection. In relation to projected income, the board noted recent domestic and global trends pointing to a 20-30% growth in domain name usage.
The board confirmed that one of auDA's main objectives is to reduce the auDA Domain Name Fee over time.
The board agreed that a surplus of approximately $200,000 is prudent, and therefore the auDA Domain Name Fee can be reduced to $7.50. The board agreed to keep the issue under internal review to ensure that actual income tracks against projected income.
Motion (proposed KH, seconded CLO): That the board:
approve the 2004/05 budget
approve a $2.50 reduction in the auDA Domain Name Fee from $10 to $7.50.
Carried.
Action: CEO to issue media release in relation to the auDA Domain Name Fee reduction.
Action: auDA staff to implement the Domain Name Fee reduction as soon as possible (likely implementation date being 1 August 2004).
4. CEO Report
The following issues were noted:
legacy net.au and org.au domains
auDA has sent renewal advice to all legacy registrants using available email and postal contact details. Approximately 12% of registrants have transferred away from auDA.
GST charged by overseas-based registrars
Namescout has obtained legal advice that it is not required to charge GST. The issue has been referred to the ATO for a ruling.
Industry conference
auDA held its second industry conference in Melbourne on 27-28 May. The conference was well-attended by registrars and auDA has received a lot of positive feedback.
5. Policy Development
Name Policy Review Panel and Registry Competition Review Panel
The board discussed the draft Terms of Reference for both Panels.
The board agreed that both Derek Whitehead and David Thompson have the requisite background knowledge, experience, independence and management capability to fulfil the role of Panel chair.
It was agreed that the process used to appoint Panel chairs is a matter for future decision by the board.
Motion (proposed KH, seconded GC): That the board:
approve the Terms of Reference for the Name Policy Review Panel and the Registry Competition Review Panel
appoint Derek Whitehead as chair of the Name Policy Review Panel
appoint David Thompson as chair of the Registry Competition Review Panel.
Carried.
Geographic names (commercial and community)
JL advised that the following matters will be put forward for board consideration in August:
outcome of public consultation about the restriction on geographic names in com.au and net.au (consultation to be held in July)
preliminary evaluation report on the community geographic 2LDs pilot project.
6. auDA Foundation
The board discussed the draft charter for the auDA Foundation.
Action: auDA Foundation directors to amend the draft charter in accordance with board comments, then submit it for approval via the board mail list.
7. Membership
The members listed below were accepted in the classes indicated.
DIRS Pty Ltd (demand)
Peter Emery (demand)
Michael Clancy (demand)
Dr Ben Ami Gelin (demand)
Lejla Vrazalic (demand)
Alison Norris (demand)
Rhys McMurdo (demand)
Natasha Scully (demand)
Tactical Designs Pty Ltd (demand)
Connectra Pty Ltd (demand)
8. Board correspondence
No correspondence was received.
9. Other Business
Draft Statement of Principles
Action: Board members to finalise and approve the draft statement via the board mail list.
10. Next Meeting
The next board meeting will be held on Monday 9 August 2004.