28-05-2018, 01:45 PM
(17-05-2018, 07:37 PM)VK4ADC Wrote: Personally, I suggest that RASA and the WIA can co-exist even if it does divide the attention from ACMA to the two bodies, and also think that it is probably worthwhile being involved in (/members of) both provided the organisations address matters of interest and importance to the Australian Radio Amateur. Of course, one would hope they are both pushing for identical outcomes.
I agree that RASA and WIA can coexist, and I think that RASA might even help to refocus the WIA into acting more in the interests of its members and in raising the profile of Amateur Radio. The WIA has got itself into the position between a rock and a hard place where it carries out some of the admin work that ACMA should really be doing, and is finding it hard to cover expenses.
If we look at the recent VHF LB spectrum allocations that Irish Radio Amateurs (IRTS) have managed to obtain for themselves, the new legislation in the US that allows amateurs to erect effective antennas even in the case of restricted housing contracts, and the success of the NZART in achieving a 1kW limit (and 25W EIRP for 630m), it becomes apparent that Amateur Radio is regarded as a much lower priority in Australia, and is not treated with the same respect by government. (and that was a long sentence) I don't know if that's because ACMA is much less hands on than previous authorities because of the WIA role, or for other reasons.