In a surprise announcement, auDA today announced Jordan Carter, until a few months ago InternetNZ’s Chief Executive, will be crossing the ditch to join auDA in the newly created role of Internet Governance and Policy Director, from 13 July.
It’s a welcome sign auDA is beginning to re-engage with the international community after six years of being largely absent from ICANN and internet governance fora. Not that Carter’s role is limited to international issues. He will also “be responsible for building effective coalitions to advance multi-stakeholder Internet governance processes and outcomes in Australia” and leading “auDA’s work to support Australia’s digital transformation and advocate for effective and innovative technology policy.”
Since founding CEO Chris Disspain was unceremoniously dumped in 2016, Australia’s country code top-level domain (ccTLD) policy and regulatory body has been plagued by poor management. A federal government report described the organisation as being “no longer fit-for-purpose” in 2018.
Carter’s appointment is also astute politically following a change of government in Australia from a conservative right wing Liberal-National coalition to a centre-left Labor government as auDA seeks to establish a good rapport with the new government. Carter has strong links with New Zealand’s governing Labour Party including having run as an unsuccessful candidate in a strong National electorate in 2008.
In March when he announced he was departing mid-year, Carter said “after nine incredibly fulfilling years in the role and much progress on important issues, it’s the right time in my life to explore new opportunities.”
“I am very proud of our achievements over the past decade. Today, InternetNZ is a leading voice on a wide array of Internet policy issues, and the organisation has successfully reoriented our work from a technology-centric to a people-first perspective.”
Carter worked at InternetNZ for 19 years, including nine as Chief Executive, where he engaged deeply on local and international Internet policy. His achievements include significant contribution to ICANN’s ccNSO, including as a ccNSO Council Member, and as co-chair of the Accountability Work Stream related to the IANA Stewardship Transition. He also convened civil society input to the New Zealand government’s Christchurch Call and contributed to the establishment and development of New Zealand’s Internet Governance Forum, NetHui.
“Jordan has made an outstanding contribution to InternetNZ,” said InternetNZ President Joy Liddicoat at the announcement Carter was stepping down. “After 19 years, including nine as Chief Executive, Jordan leaves with an extraordinary and impressive record of achievements both in New Zealand and on the global stage. Jordan has worked tirelessly to promote the core values of the Internet and to be a champion for .nz.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Jordan to auDA,” said auDA CEO, Rosemary Sinclair AM in today’s announcement. “He is well respected in the domain name industry for his active contributions to multi-stakeholder Internet governance. Jordan will draw on this experience to further auDA’s strategy to champion an open, free, secure and global Internet.”
“I’m excited to join auDA at a point in time when multi-stakeholder Internet governance has never been more important,” said Carter. “I look forward to working with the auDA Team to drive auDA’s engagement in Internet governance and technology policy discussions to deliver benefits to Internet users in Australia and around the world.”
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