Who we are
The Internet Association of Australia works to create a better internet for Australia.
Established in 1995 by a collection of internet enthusiasts, our heritage is deep-seated in advocacy, and we continue to be an association that supports the needs and interests of our Members.
We proudly operate Australia’s largest not-for-profit internet peering network comprising six exchange points and over 28 Points of Presence (PoPs) nationally. Since establishing WA-IX – our first exchange in 1997 – our network has grown significantly.
We exist for the benefit of the internet and the people who build and operate it.
Building a better internet
At IAA, we strive to lead the internet industry and support our Members.
We are:
- Member-driven – member needs and interests guide our initiatives
- Not-for-profit – investing in initiatives that support and improve Australia’s internet
- Carrier-neutral – we provide impartial and equitable peering exchanges
- Supporting our Members is fundamental to our strategy. That’s why we grow partnerships and human networks, conduct various events and do our best to provide the resources that Members need.
IAA operates Australia’s only not-for-profit exchange, offering carrier-neutral, multilateral peering. We operate seven exchange points and 28 Points of Presence (PoPs).
We provide a range of services:
- Internet exchange peering
- Extended reach
- Virtual leased line
- Cloud connect
About the Board
The Board provides leadership and guidance to ensure IAA continues to achieve its aims in the promotion, support, and growth of Australia’s internet industry. It develops the strategic direction, mission, and objectives of the Association.
Members of the Board are highly skilled and experienced industry professionals dedicated to improving Australia’s internet.
Responsibilities
Board Members are required to commit a minimum of two hours per week to activities for the Association. This includes maintaining regular email contact, contributing towards discussions and projects (usually via online chat), and strategic decision making for the Association.
All Board members are required to attend a bi-monthly Board Meeting via video conference (Zoom). The current meeting time is scheduled for every second month, on the fourth Monday, at 10am AWST.
Members of the Board are required to use the current communication systems of the Association, with on-boarding assistance, training and support provided as needed.
Time Commitment
Being on the IAA Board is a time commitment, but also a professionally rewarding opportunity. Board Members can expect (as a minimum):
- 1-2 hr board meeting at least once every two months + pre-reading
- 1 hr per week asynchronous catch ups
- other committees or events as scheduled throughout the year (this year has had five sub-committees).
If you become an office bearer or assist in other project or committee work, this time can be considerable; however, the experience and contacts you will gain are invaluable.
Governance
IAA is a company limited by guarantee and is subject to the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). IAA operates under the governance of the Association Constitution, which is voted on by Members.
The Role of the Board
Current office bearing roles within the Board is that of Chair and Deputy Chair. The entire Board are involved in financial matters. The additional responsibilities of these roles are outlined in Division 10.11 of the Association Constitution. Members of the Board are volunteers; these positions are unpaid roles, however reasonable expenses, approved by the Board, may be paid.
The Board
The IAA Board comprises up to six elected Directors, consisting of Professional Members and nominees of the Corporate Members, and up to two appointed Directors. Board members serve for a three-year term, and terms are offset to maintain continuity on the Board. Casual vacancies may be filled by the Board’s invitation and are automatically up for re-election at the following Annual General Meeting.
Our story so far
It was July 1995. Less than three per cent of Australians were accessing the internet, indicating that few anticipated its eventual, even colossal potential. People and businesses were resisting this budding industry, and the use of email and webpages were the exception rather than the rule. Despite the minute up-take, State and Federal Governments were proposing heavy-handed regulation, similar to CB radio or print publications, which would inevitably crush its potential. Something had to be done.
A group of pioneers made up of the first dial-up internet service providers, tech journalists, university enthusiasts, new information technology businesses, and many early-adopter users rallied together and decided they needed to meet. Plans started forming, emails started flowing, and the vanguard of the Internet in Western Australia prepared for what would be the inception of an enduring association.
The day of the meeting arrived, Saturday, July 22, 1995. Over 50, some say 70, attendees arrived at DIALix – one of the largest Internet Service Providers (ISP) at the time – all motivated to promote internet take-up and resist the impending Government regulations. Some knew each other, some knew of each other, but they all shared a collective vision that brought them together.
The meeting room was buzzing and the atmosphere thick with a sense of community, not only unified by impending hardship but by a shared secret – that one way or another – they had all found themselves at the forefront of a new industry with unlimited potential.
As the meeting began, David Kitson – a journalist for Perth Sunday Times and administrator for Black Ice Technologies – began to speak, convening and conducting the meeting. As the different ISPs explained their issues with telecommunications access, it became clear that unprecedented regulation was not the only threat. The monopoly status of much of the infrastructure was a significant barrier to emerging players too. The meeting continued, and the sense of community and urgency in the room continued to build as it became more apparent that this was a battle they could not fight alone, but a war to be fought as an army.
The meeting ended abruptly; the vanguard of WA was in complete agreement that they needed the authority of a duly incorporated association as soon as practical. The Western Australian Internet Association (WAIA), a constant advocate for better internet policy, was formed.
Filled with anticipation and driven by the need for immediate action, the interim committee set to work and set in motion an association that would endure over time, committed to its Members, advocating for equality, and going on to build the largest carrier-neutral, not-for-profit internet exchange platform in Australia.
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It's official. We're a great place to work!
We’re proud to have been awarded Great Place to Work®-Certification for 2024-25. We wear this badge with pride, as a sign of a positive employee experience. In receiving this accreditation, we join the ranks of Cisco, Google and American Express. Great Place to Work is a globally recognised employee validation program.
Here’s what some of our employees have to say:
“Excellent flexibility working from home, and ample opportunity to attend to outside of work commitments and requirements and make up the work later when it suits.”
“Genuine flexibility and care from the management. Know how and understanding of the internet and internet industry. Our status and respect as a trusted player in the industry.”
“As a relatively small team, everyone is very busy but still happy to help each other out. We have lots of opportunities to grow in the industry, such as participating in industry forums and conferences.”
To discover more about our certification visit the Great Place to Work website.
