"The WIA is DYING" 
  Martin Luther, VK7GN, 22 April 2004
A National WIA                                   

I have seen in recent weeks the dinosaurs raising the issue of the proposed changes to the WIA being “too sudden” or “happening too quickly”.

A short review of history is always informative. I will ignore the fact that this issue has been discussed for the past 40 to 50 years and concentrate on recent events.

In 1998 as a Director of the WIA I prepared a 39 page document which demonstrated a need to do something about the Federal WIA. That document showed the precarious state of finance and membership. It also recommended ways that the existing structure could be made to work. It was circulated to Federal Councilors and Divisional councils.
No actions were taken by Federal Councilors to improve the workings of the Federal body. It continued to be mired in politics and trivia!

In 2000 I prepared my report on the WIA in the New Millennium and it was widely circulated and discussed in early 2001. It recommended the creation of a new National WIA. 

At the 2002 Federal convention a motion moved by me on behalf of the VK5 division charged the President with creating a committee to review the processes for change.

An interim report was presented in 2003.

If the various divisional representatives and Federal councilors have not consulted with members, canvassed views and placed into discussion their concerns and desires by now then they should not be allowed to hide behind the statement that there has not been enough time. They have had 6 years to do their part of this process. If they have failed it is not sufficient reason to hold up change!

To waste 6 years and then hold the process up for a further number of years is just not realistic. 

The WIA is dying. 

By the time the dinosaurs finish their delaying tactics it will be dead. Once the present Federal council meeting ends there will be no WIA. The Federal body will only have a President and one Director and simply cannot act. 

Members and non members should both make it clear to divisional councilors that they will be held personally accountable if this move fails. Find out who is on your divisional council and write to them individually, not just to the President or secretary of your division. Make it clear that they are responsible and how you expect them to behave on your behalf.

It is now in the hands of you the individual radio amateur. You can no longer sit back and wait for “them” to do something, they have been sitting on their hands and it is nearly too late.

Do it now, write your letters!


(View past reports on amateurradio.org.au)

(The 1998 Business Plan is Corporate Confdential but copies should be held by all Federal Councillors)

Martin Luther VK7GN
22nd April 2004

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