Internet Australia (previously known as the Internet Society of Australia[1][2][3]) is the not-for-profit peak body representing everyone who uses the Internet. It is a broad member-based organisation not an industry lobby group. Its mission statement is Helping Shape Our Internet Future.[4] It is the Australian chapter of the global Internet Society, often referred to as ISOC.[5]
| Formation | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Type | Non-profit organisation |
| Legal status | Active |
| Purpose | Promote positive Internet developments for the benefit of the whole community |
| Headquarters | Sydney |
Region | Australia |
| Website | www |
The organisation has been in existence since 1996.[5] Internet Australia has made submissions and appeared before a range of inquiries held by the Australian Parliament.[6][7][8][9][10][11][12] In 2015 Internet Australia organised the creation of a group called Parliamentary Friends of the Internet designed to provide a forum for providing information and guidance to MPs and Senators.[13]
The organisation changed its name from Internet Society of Australia to Internet Australia. President George Fong commented at the time on the change "is designed to give the Society a more contemporary image in keeping with the board's determination to take a higher profile in fostering informed debate about Internet related issues."[14]
In September 2017 five of the board of Directors of Internet Australia indicated they would not seek re-election to allow the entity to renew itself.[15]
The current Internet Australia Chair is Dr Paul Brooks. Dr Books was outspoken on the previous direction of Internet Australia and the outgoing executive director Laurie Patton.[16]
