The IAA Annual General Meeting 2024 was held on 30 October 2024.

IAA Board Nominees for 2024

Thanks to the following nominees. Nominees’ statements are detailed below, displayed in order of receipt.

Damian Matacz – Corporate Member – Cloudflare Inc

If elected, it would be an absolute privileged to have the opportunity to join the Board of Directors of the Internet Association of Australia (IAA). I’m currently working as a Director of Network Strategy with Cloudflare and having over thirteen years of experience in the industry, I have a real passion for the Internet and its transformative impact on society.

I’ve got a broad set of experience, starting out at a local ISP (iiNet), driving the commercial negotiations responsible for the global infrastructure growth at Megaport during it’s early and formulative years, and more recently leading the Interconnection team and growth strategy at Cloudflare, as we continue to build out one of the most interconnected networks in the world.

I think my biggest asset is that I would bring is a diverse skillset to the Board, leveraging not only my understanding of the technology landscape, but coupled with formal Finance qualifications and a strong understanding of budgeting, cost management, supplier relations and commercial negotiations.

The Internet Association of Australia works to create a better Internet for Australia, and that’s something that I know I can help actively steer and shape. I have the advantage of a unique perspective of working for a Company that echos that same sentiment on a global level, and with my understanding and experience on the broader Internet landscape I truly believe I would be a valuable asset to the IAA Board.

Thank you for considering my nomination.

Karl Kloppenborg – Professional Member

Dear IAA Members,

I am thrilled to submit my candidacy for a position on the Executive Board. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in telecommunications, systems engineering, cloud computing, Internet Advocacy and policy, I believe my background uniquely positions me to contribute meaningfully to the continued growth and advancement of the IAA.

Professional Background:
I am currently the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of ResetData Pty Ltd, where I am currently developing of the world’s first environmentally sustainable public cloud. This project has allowed me to harness my expertise in cloud architecture and high-performance computing, drawing on both new and existing technologies to build scalable, sustainable solutions for the future of cloud computing.

Prior to ResetData, I held positions at organizations such as Real World Group, DigitalMaas, and Crucial Cloud Hosting, where I was responsible for the design and development of key systems, including cloud environments, analytics platforms, and SSD-backed VPS servers. My career has been defined by a dedication to innovation in cloud computing and distributed systems, and my technical expertise spans a range of programming languages, systems engineering tools, and virtualization technologies.

Commitment to Internet Governance:
Beyond my technical background, I have a deep commitment to the development and governance of the internet. I have been actively involved with APNIC (Asia-Pacific Network Information Centre) for several years, advocating for policy changes related to Policy SIG, EC-Bylaws, and IPv4 and IPv6 resources. My focus has been on promoting transparency, fair representation, and meaningful reforms in internet governance. This involvement has provided me with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our global internet infrastructure.

Vision for IAA:
As a member of the Executive Board, I will leverage my extensive technical expertise and governance experience to the position.

Fraser McGlinn – Professional Member

My broad professional experience, spanning multiple economies, including New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines, has shaped my core values and understanding of what the sector needs most.

In my current role, I lead the Network Design and Architecture Team of an ISP based in the Philippines, with a mission to “Accelerate Internet for the Philippines and improve its connectivity for all Filipinos”. Central to this mission is the operation of the Philippines’ largest Internet Exchange. Fostering relationships and community engagement have been key to its continued success. “When we share, everyone wins.”

I firmly believe in upholding the founding core values of the Internet, which include fostering a sense of community, promoting inclusivity, and upholding respect. My involvement in governance, technical, and operational positions in the industry over the years has further deepened my commitment to these values. As a board member, I am committed to promoting these principles in real and measurable ways.

I am dedicated to the evolution of the existing outreach and mentoring programs such as IAASysters. This initiative is vital to providing mentorship opportunities for young people, and those who are new to the field. These programs encourage talent development, engagement, and cohesion within the profession, ensuring that it remains vibrant, diverse, and competitive.

Sensible policy development with open discussions between the industry and the government is vital. Facilitating forums for discussing internet-related issues is essential for cooperation, community-building, and further fostering a culture of self-governance, whilst ensuring there is not a disconnect between the government and the industry.
I am fully aligned with the IAA’s existing work in this area and will actively support its advancement.

I appreciate your consideration and ask for your support. My broad professional experience, spanning multiple economies, including New Zealand, Australia, and the Philippines, has shaped my core values and understanding of what the sector needs most.

In my current role, I lead the Network Design and Architecture Team of an ISP based in the Philippines, with a mission to “Accelerate Internet for the Philippines and improve its connectivity for all Filipinos”. Central to this mission is the operation of the Philippines’ largest Internet Exchange. Fostering relationships and community engagement have been key to its continued success. “When we share, everyone wins.”

Aftab Siddiqui – Professional Member

Aftab has been with the Internet Society as the Senior Internet Technology Manager for the past 8 years, leading the MANRS initiative globally in the past and now helping transform Pulse Internet measurement platform.

Prior to this, he spent over a decade as a network engineer in the service provider sector. In recent years, he has helped establish Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) across the APAC region, providing both technical and policy support.

The objectives of the Internet Association of Australia (IAA)—such as promoting and supporting the Internet industry within Australia, establishing links with like-minded organisations, and operating peering exchange services and related infrastructure—align closely with the work he has been engaged in for many years.

On the policy side, Aftab has served on Address Support Organisation – Address Council at ICANN for 7 years, representing the numbers community, has authored several resource policies for APNIC, and serve on the APNOG (APRICOT) board.

Aftab believes his experience in not-for-profit organisations, combined with his technical and policy expertise in IXP development and policy forums, will be of great value to the board. IAA has provided an essential platform for the technical community and fostered a healthy environment for constructive dialogue. He feels strongly that IAA should continue maintaining this balanced and fair approach.

I have worked with Aftab in this area for some years now and I believe he will contribute significantly to the governance of the Association and the Australian and New Zealand peering eco-systems.

The period to vote and appoint proxies has now closed. 

Congratulations to Karl Kloppenborg and Fraser McGlinn for their successful election to the IAA Board!