[Linux-aus] clarifying membership criteria

[Joel Addison]

> On 8 Feb 2026, at 00:47, Russell Coker via linux-aus <linux-aus at lists.linux.org.au> wrote:
> 
> On Saturday, 7 February 2026 23:41:45 AEDT Arjen Lentz via linux-aus wrote:
>> If you refer to the articles, you'll have the official definition. Then, if
>> the website doesn't match or has a typo in those paragraphs, the website
>> should be updated as the articles are the authoritative source of truth for
>> this.
> 
> https://github.com/linuxaustralia/constitution_and_policies/blob/master/
> constitution.md
> 
> This seems to indicate that the only criteria for being a member is paying the 
> entrance fee of "$1, or another amount determined by the committee" (which 
> presumably has been set to $0) and that the only limitation on membership is 
> that to vote at a general meeting "is at least 18 years of age, and
> has paid all money owed by the member to the association".

As Arjen mentions, and you have found, our constitution lists all the offical details of becoming a member of Linux Australia. The membership form on our website reflects this policy.

Going back to your original email - Nobody automatically becomes a member of Linux Australia from being part of a subcommittee or group affiliated with Linux Australia. We also do not automatically make conference attendees a member. In the past there was an option on the linux.conf.au <http://linux.conf.au/> registration form to become a member, but this has not been in place for several years. We now direct everyone to the website to ensure they go through the standard process and all applications are reviewed according to our member policy. 

Anyone is able to become a member, and we have members from other countries. We look for some connection to the open technologies communities as part of our screening process, to avoid allowing spam or other misaligned applications through. This is not a difficult hurdle to pass. 

> 
>>> https://linux.org.au/
>>> 
>>> The above page has "Linux Australia is the peak body of Open Source
>>> communities in Australasia. Linux Australia represents Australasian users
>>> and developers of ..."
> 
> I think that "Australasian" as is currently on that page is misleading.  I 
> think it would be better to state "represents Australasian users and 
> developers and supports events and groups based in Australasia, and people who 
> are involved in those events and groups who live outside Australasia are 
> welcome as members of Linux Australia".

There is a difference between who we represent and who can become a member. Linux Australia operates events in Australia and New Zealand, and has recently assisted some events to run in the Asia-Pacific region for Drupal. We do not represent people in open source in the Americas or Europe. The statement on that page reflects this pretty well I think.

> 
>>> So that's either "Australia" or "Australiasia".
>>> 
>>> https://linux.org.au/membership/
>>> 
>>> The above page has a list of countries for address which appears to list
>>> every country in the world.
> 
> I think this page needs a clear statement that "people who don't reside in 
> Australasia are welcome to become members".  Having more members is a good 
> thing and we should make anyone who is considering it feel welcome to apply.
> 
> https://linux.org.au/about-us/organisational-details/
> 
> Also I think that the above page should have a link to the github of the 
> constitution and policies to make it easier for people to find these things.  
> Ideally no-one should need to have the articles handy, it should be easy to 
> find from the web site.

The constitution is available on the website at https://linux.org.au/about-us/constitution/
We have a link to the original copy in GitHub on that page.

Kind regards,

Joel Addison

President
Linux Australia

president at linux.org.au <mailto:president at linux.org.au> 
http://linux.org.au <http://linux.org.au/> 

Linux Australia Inc
GPO Box 4788
Sydney NSW 2001
Australia

Limited Liability (NSW) Y2998126
ABN 56 987 117 479
ARBN 618 108 544

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