WIRELESS INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
Western Australian Division
Minutes of Council Meeting 4th. May 2004
Held at Westrail Theatrette East Perth

Visitors are welcome

The meeting commenced at 1930 with the President, Neil VK6NE in the chair

Present:
Neil           VK6NE      President
Cliff           VK6LZ       Minute Secretary
Christine   VK6ZLZ     Membership/Web Master
Roy           VK6XV       Secretary
Trevor      VK6HTW    Federal Councillor
Neil           VK6BDO    Education
Dennis      VK6KAD    Broadcast Officer
Kathi        VK6HKR    Councillor
*Bruce      VK6OO      Treasurer
Will           VK6UU       Councillor (Elected at start of Meeting)

The Division is governed by a Council consisting of President. Vice President, and seven Councillors, plus *one Ex-officio Councillor.

Apologies:    None

Visitors:        Michael Owen VK3KI and 24 Others

Meeting Commenced at 1930

The President explained that due to the resignation of Malcolm VK6LC, there was a vacancy on
council and proposed Will McGhie VK6UU, this was seconded by Trevor VK6HTW, and carried.

The President then suspended standing Orders and Introduced Michael Owen VK3KI
Michael has been involved with the Institute since very young. He is a Lawyer and was the author
of the original Federal Constitution in 1972, was president, had been involved with the Victorian Division, Director IARU Region 3, Attended WARC 79, spent 88 to 94 in the UK, VP IARU for
10 years, attended WARC 2003.

Michael then spoke to the Proposal for a National WIA
He said that the structure of the Federal body had been flawed from the beginning. Since 1990 had
been concerned as to where Amateur Radio was heading, with an ageing and dwindling population of amateurs  in many countries.

In 1983 the WIA had 8,500 members, in 1993 the WIA had 6,000 members, and in 2003 there were
less than 4,000 members. In 1990 41% of all amateurs were members of the Institute; today only
27% are members.

He said he had been remote from the WIA and its politics and had only become involved in this
matter last December, and because of his belief that a better structure was now essential.

He said that he believed that the most important role of the Institute was to represent amateurs nationally and internationally and that no single Division can do what a single National body could do.

In 2003 the most important thing that happened was that the WIA had been able to nominate two members of the Australian delegation to the WRC and were no doubt part of the reason that
Australia finally changed its position in relation to the 40 metre band, vitally important in achieving
a good result for the amateur service world wide.

A federal body can speak with many voices.     Of 3908 members, 56% come from two divisions

There is no future in trying to start a completely new organisation, to compete with the WIA.

We need seven Directors and must attract the best.

Transition: The next renewal cycle is July 04 (for the bulk of members) and it was important for a smooth transition to  ensure that the renewals were for the new national body, and so had to start
with the start of a renewal cycle,

Members will be invited to renew and sign to join new body.

Currently identifying directors for the new company.

Concept of Geographical directors was rejected so that there would not be any 'electorates' or
'regional representation'.

There are many differences between the divisions.

Clubs are essential to the fabric of Amateur Radio, they provide feed back and social interface.
(Under new constitution) the clubs will participate but will not pay a fee and will not have a vote -
we do not want the members of clubs to have an excuse not to join. The Board will need to address
the clubs and decide what is most appropriate for all clubs across Australia, as the WIA needed the support of the clubs.

Conference of clubs may be a good idea.

There will be Advisory Committees initially formed from the divisional councils, and thereafter
elected each 3 years..

It has got to represent all the Amateurs both nationally and internationally with one voice.

Some say the Constitution is being pushed too fast, but Michael said that it was his experience that
a commercial contract is not improved by long negotiations and debate rather if faults are found we would be better off changing it later.

He suggested that members re-read the ACA paper and look at the various possibilities for out-sourcing.

Ernie Hocking (Federal President) says that it is expected that the ACA will announce the
Foundation Licence in mid 2004 and implement in 2005.

Michael also pointed out that there was increasing concern at the shortage of trained radio
technicians, and that there were suggestions being made that bringing amateur radio back into the schools could assist meeting this problem, another opportunity today for amateur radio.
 
A new WIA would have to seek to get back old members.

He had come to Perth at his own cost not on behalf of any one else and because he believed that
change was essential.

The basic proposal was put two weeks before the Federal Convention with an explanation of the
new constitution document.

What do we do with the divisions? One option was to continue the entity as a radio club but not
under WIA name.

VK1 wishes to do that.

Another option was to keep division in place so that existing licenses and contracts were preserved
but make it a subsidiary of the national WIA.

Licenses and contracts will continue, change Articles so that the Directors of the National body
become the committee of the Division.

Treat as a vehicle which will need advisory committee, but it was different from state to state,
WICEN for example

Each party would give undertakings to the other, (has had the benefit of Cliff's suggestions).

Must change WA division's name

Must not make people feel worse off. - Members should not have to pay different rates.

He suggested that the national WIA should agree to pay for the WIA licenses for not less than
10 years (since Broadcast Repeater licences have already been paid for next 5 years).

INSURANCES - The National body has to give undertaking to put together a package for the members.

The ACA is not comfortable with the current structure (of the WIA) - this is not meant to be a threat.

Michael spoke for one hour and fifty minutes.

END OF ADDRESS TO MEETING - MICHAEL WAS THANKED BY NEIL AND A SHORT RECESS WAS TAKEN AT 21.30, THE MEETING RESUMED AT 2140 WITH QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS -

(The following are incomplete notes of what followed due to difficulty in keeping up with the audience-with no tape recorder.)

Wally VK6KZ
Thanked Michael and approved of what he was doing.
Q    In WA subscriptions do NOT fund Repeaters or Beacons.
For me as a member, WA sets fees and pays Federal and eventually gets back the divisional component.
This is to be replaced by one payment to National. Are we leaving the division to raise own funds?
Michael VK3KI
A    - The division will cease to exist as national will receive the same services - neatest way -
division to either cease to exist or  continue for at least a number of years doing what is being done
providing those services as current. - Another way is to have a radio club

(Wally)    We could afford to provide a better central office - to subsidise clubs.

Cliff VK6LZ
With very limited time and the aid of an overhead projector spoke to his concerns.

WHY NATIONALISE?

ALL DIVISIONS SEEM TO AGREE ON THE CONCEPT OF A NATIONAL W.I.A.

SO WHAT IS SO WRONG WITH THE DETAIL?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CURRENT FEDERATED SET UP?

FIRST WE MUST NOT DESTROY THE CURRENT DIVISIONAL STRUCTURE UNTIL WE
HAVE A SUSTAINABLE NATIONAL ORGANISATION UP AND RUNNING

THERE HAS BEEN TOO MUCH HASTE AND TOO MUCH PRESSURE TO JUST SIGN UP
AND GO WITH IT

NO CREDITABLE FIGURES HAVE YET BEEN PRESENTED

THOSE I HAVE SEEN HAVE BEEN RUBBERY,
AND PROJECTIONS BASSED ON GUESSTIMATES,
ARE I THINK FAR TOO OPTIMISTIC

A LOT OF ASSUMPTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO BOOST EXPECTED INCOME

FOR EXAMPLE
MANY EX-MEMBERS WILL REJOIN
THERE WILL BE A LARGE INFLUX OF MEMBERS FROM THE POSSIBLE FOUNDATION LICENCE
THE INSTITUTE WILL BE INVOLVED IN EDUCATION
THE ACA WILL ALLOW THE INSTITUTE TO CONTINUE TO RUN THE EXAM SERVICE
THE INSTITUTE WILL GET OTHER SUB-CONTRACT WORK FROM THE ACA SUCH AS;
ISSUEING OF CERTIFICATES OF PROFICIENCY
ISSUEING OF AMATEUR LICENCES
MAINTAINANCE OF AN ADDRESS AND LICENSING DATABASE

THERE HAVE BEEN TOO MANY INSTANT CONCESSIONS NOT BACKED UP BY PROPER COSTINGS
EG. THE SUDDEN DROP LAST WEEK IN THE PROPOSED NATIONAL FEE FROM $85
TO $75 FOR THE FIRST YEAR.

THERE HAS BEEN FAR TOO MUCH
SECRECY
HALF TRUTHS
AND MISS-LEADING COMMENTS

WHY HAVE WE NOT BEEN TOLD WHO THE FIRST DIRECTORS ARE TO BE AND SHOULDN'T THESE BE ELECTED BY THE MEMBERS?

MEMBERS WILL WANT TO WAIT AND SEE
THIS WILL RISK FURTHER LOSS OF MEMBERS

WHAT IS THE FALL BACK POSITION?
THERE IS NO FALL BACK POSITION (THAT WE HAVE BEEN TOLD ABOUT) SHOULD THE NATIONAL MODEL FAIL TO GET SUPPORT FROM THE MEMBERS AT JULY 1ST 2004

Michael  VK3KI agreed that there was NO FALL-BACK position

WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?

WE CAN’T GO ON AS WE ARE AND THE DANGER IS THAT WE MAY LOOSE THE IMPETUS FOR CHANGE AND THE INTEREST OF THE HARDWORKING INITIATORS

IF WE ARE TO BE IN A POSITION TO REALISTICALLY TENDER FOR THE EXPECTED
ACA DEVOLVEMENT WORK,
WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO PRESENT A CREDITABLE SERVICE ONCE WE KNOW WHAT
THE ACA HAS DECIDED.

AS A FIRST STEP WE NEED TO SORT OUT THE MUCH MALIGNED FEDERAL OFFICE.
IMMEDIATELY APPOINT A FULL TIME PROFESSIONAL MANAGER WITH A SALARY
OF AROUND SEVENTY GRAND (PLUS OVERHEADS)
INITIALY APPOINT AT LEAST ONE FULL TIME QUALIFIED ASSISTANT WITH CURRENT COMPUTER SKILLS
INSTALL A NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM AND LAN, WITH WINDOWS, DATABASE, EXCEL SPREAD SHEET, AND WORD FOR WINDOWS CAPABILITY.
PAID PART TIME HELP AND VOLUNTEERS AS REQUIRED

Michael VK3KI said that it was not going to happen

Bruce VK6OO
Questioned how to change the Divisional Constitution to become a subsidiary.
Michael  VK3KI
Replied that it needs 75 %of members to be in favour. Time line is to get agreement by
commencement of adjourned Federal AGM

Clive VK6CSW
Concerned about the nuts and bolts. - Seven members (Federal Council) have complete power to vote
 in favour (of Resolution).
Q    All members will have to sign to join the National body - a significant number will drop out - if you drop to 3000 is it viable?
Michael  VK3KI
A     Over next two months promote to members.

Graham VK6RO
Q    Is it going to happen on the 1st July?
Michael  VK3KI
A    If two Divisions don't agree (75%) it will not happen (on the 16th May)

Trevor VK6HTW
Q    We have to make a decision, but one problem, who are the Seven (Initial National) Directors ?
The magnificent seven?
Michael VK3KI
A    Discussions are taking place.
Wally VK6KZ
We have to trust Trevor's judgement
Trevor VK6HTW
Currently we have two vacancies (Federal Directors) Neil Penfold and Brenda Edmonds have nominated for Federal Directorships.
Michael  VK3KI
A    A director must be a member and a licensed amateur - I am not in a position to name them (the
nominees) I have distanced myself from it.

Robyn VK6XRE
Q    As one of those not here tonight, why would I join?
Michael  VK3KI
A    Why are you a member?
Robyn VK6XRE
Local Representation, Local Issues - Would like to have a direct Rep.
Michael  VK3KI
A    Advisory committee (would be your local representative)

Peter VK6PEC
I am apathetic you are only re-arranging the deck chairs. He then gave examples of two bodies to
which he had belonged in the past: Dental Technicians, and Postal Union. and discussed their attributes.

Bruce VK6OO
Same re-cycled people - get on with it
Q    If present Council (of division) becomes an Advisory Body, what happens to the bank account?
Michael  VK3KI
A    suggested that the way would be to rely on the retained local Secretary and Treasurer.

Kathi VK6HKR
My concern is that we will get Directors from the Eastern States who know nothing about local conditions and don't care.
Michael  VK3KI
A    All states are very different and they will have to rely on the local advisors.
The fundamentals are pretty right
Can't legislate against stupidity
Chris Jones believes that we need to be more commercial
Unless we do something, we will accelerate decline.
People say they can't get a reply from the institute (federal office) - now need an 1800 number.
New structure - where the Buck stops

Phill VK6SO
There was a discussion at the Hills Group club meeting where members felt that if the institute
were to get license issuing then all amateurs should have to become members of the WIA.
Feels that we should 'suck it and see'.
Michael  VK3KI
A    We won't get compulsory membership.

Michael mentioned a letter from Ernest Hocking (the Federal President) after the Brisbane meeting (May 2nd) Relating convictions as to why it must be now. He read the letter (the Division has a copy).

This said basically that:
He was for a National body and that the ACA discussion paper was the impetus. The ACA wants a strong Company to handle the licenses, and the current Federal body cannot take on the new license. The ACA timetable is to announce the new license in 2004, and implement it in 2005. The WIA is serious about supporting the entry level license and administration. There were serious timing issues.

Will VK6UU
Q1    If we get the contract, how will we do it?
Michael  VK3KI
A    We will have to employ appropriate people very quickly.
Will VK6UU
Q2    Will membership be open to everybody?
Michael  VK3KI
A    Anyone with an interest will be able to join.
Will VK6UU
We could be flooded with non AR people.
Michael  VK3KI
A    That is not likely. We could put a cap on the number of non-licensed members if it became
necessary.
Don VK6HK commented that the Directors had to be licensed.

Geoff VK6JNX
We would need to have someone on the board with a political presence such as Dick Smith.
Michael  VK3KI
A    Thought it a very good idea to involve someone like him, though he doubted if a directorship
would be the best way to use such a person, perhaps as a patron would be better
Graham VK6RO
Q    What are our instructions to Trevor for the 16th May (Adjourned Federal AGM)?
Neil VK6NE The reason for this meeting is to get information and instruct the federal councillor.

A vote for or against (accepting the motion) was taken with a quick informal count which revealed
that of the 32 still present. The majority were in favour.

Approximately 16 were in favour. 6 were against, and about 10 abstained (Note: a proper count
was not taken)

The president Neil VK6NE declared the motion carried.

Phill VK6SO suggested a mail out to members with explanatory paperwork
Neil VK6NE said it would cost too much.
Wally VK6KZ said that people not at the meeting had already had their chance to comment from information carried on the news etc.

Terry VK6ZLT said that we want to improve the WIA

Dennis VK6KAD said that there was no danger of CB'ers taking over the institute as they can't get members for their own organisation.

Robyn VK6XRE
Considered that the Constitution was not refined enough yet.
Michael  VK3KI
Replied that if you mean provisionally to cover perceived problems I disagree firmly.
 - today's problem is not tomorrow's problem so let's fix them down stream. You can have a quorum
of 20 attended by one person with 19 proxies

Neil VK6NE called for closing comments

Trevor VK6HTW
Anyone in WA is welcome to nominate (for Director)

Will VK6UU
We do some things very well but others very poorly.

Roy VK6XV
Thanked everyone and particularly Michael for attending.

Michael  VK3KI
Said he was especially grateful for the input and asked council to work out promises and drafting
and let him know.

The meeting closed at 22.15

Neil VK6NE
Asked councillors to fix a date to continue the Council Meeting It was agreed to meet in the usual venue on
Wednesday next the 12th May at 19.30 hours.

President VK6NE .......................................... Minute Secretary VK6LZ ..............................................
E & OE
Those in attendance were:  VK6’s  NE Neil, KAD Dennis, LZ Cliff, ZLZ Christine, XV Roy,
HTW Trevor, HKR Kathi, UU Will, BDO Neil, OO Bruce, XH Keith, ZSE Eddie, JNX Geoff, 
XRE Robyn, MY Steve,  HK Don, JP Jim, PO Bob,  KZ Wally, CSW Clive, AX Geoff, TVI Peter,
PEC Peter, ZLT Terry, RO Graham,  SO Phill, APK Alec, KHZ Ron, SWL Claude 4KET/6 Doug,
plus 4 others.

Corrected Minutes
20040504cm3-Westrail-doc - dated 08/05/2004  5:12 PM        Page No 6 of 6 pages