The WIA should be an open organisation.
The members "own" the organisation and have a right to be involved in its processes. There should be clear avenues for members to send and receive information on anything happening in the WIA.

The past years have tended more and more to secrecy and confidentiality. There is no need; the need is the opposite. Inclusion and consultation should be the way of doing business in a members based organisation.. The members need to feel that their views are taken note of and acted upon where appropriate.

Commercial in confidence stuff applies to a couple of things the organisation does. Like negotiating conditions with staff, or letting a contract. Even in these areas there is room for consultation prior to negotiations.

Two or three people acting on their own should never take very significant decisions behind closed doors.

Debates on important topics in radio should be held in the widest possible forums. Mechanisms for excellence in WIA communication should be determined as part of the creation of the new organisation

Conclusion
None of these principles is, by itself, sufficient to stem the decline of the WIA. Accepted as a package and then implemented through a new steamlined and responsive organisation will, I am sure, lead to a better future for both the WIA and Amateur Radio in Australia.

Martin Luther VK5GN

April 2001

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