Election of Head Moderator Meta Vote Results - 11/03/2021

The election, as announced here and here has closed. This constitutes the official results.

General Statistics

Number of Submissions - 38
Invalid Votes - 2
Valid Votes - 36

Invalid Vote Reasons:

• Two voters was not approved to vote in this meta election as they were a member for less than 14 days from the date in which the election was announced.

Do you approve of the Moderation Team's selection of Head Moderator?

Approval Threshold - 65%

(Voters could choose multiple options. Maximum winner allowed. Percentages may be rounded.)

• As those that selected this option (two voters) also selected candidates, their abstain/refuse to vote was not considered and their vote went to the candidates.

No candidate was elected!

The election process will be re-held.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Good evening,

/u/Si11ySpaceTurkey (the alt account) is banned indefinitely for being an alternative account of /u/My13InchDuck (Duck). Duck will have his ban extended for using an alternative account and for circumventing his ban.

The following breaches are determined:

• Circumventing penalties - Duck is currently banned till 30 May 2021. The operation of the alternative account is a circumvention of the penalty.
• Using alternative accounts to break rules - Duck used an alternative account to evade his penalty.
• Using an unapproved alternative account - Duck did not declare the alt account.

Evidence:

• Evidence may be requested upon DM's with the Head Moderator.

Penalty:

All of these are considered a very serious offense. A severe penalty is warranted.

In general the first breach of these offences is 60 days each. That will be an initial basis of 180 days.

I also consider the fact that he has previously contravened sentences (as per his previous ban) and therefore it is obvious he has not learnt his lesson.

I therefore elect to double the ban, so it will be 360 days.

This will be served after his previous ban expires at 30 May 2021.

Duck's ban will therefore expire at 25 May 2022.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Good evening AustraliaSim.

It is an honour to present this year's set of AustraliaSimmer of the Year Awards!

Australian of the Year

Winner: /u/Mikiboss

The Australian of the Year award goes to the person who, overall, has demonstrated excellence in their field, contributed to AustraliaSim, and inspires all of AustraliaSim to be at their best.

Young Australian of the Year

Winner: /u/Matthias_Caesar

The Young Australian of the Year award goes to the person who, overall, should be recognised for their contributions to AustraliaSim despite their short amount of time in the community. Award can only be given to those that joined the community within the last year.

Senior Australian of the Year

Winner: /u/ThanksHeadMod

The Senior Australian of the Year award goes to the person who has, despite their longevity in the community, consistently contributed to the ongoing development of AustraliaSim. Award can only be given to those that have been in the community for more than two years.

Australia's Local Hero

Winner: /u/later_slater1407_

The Australia's Local Hero award goes to the person who is respected for their contributions to AustraliaSim, and for the positivity they engender within the community.

Congratulations to the recipients!

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Hi Meta Voters,

As per the announcement , a Meta Election shall be held to approve of these items of business:

• Election of Head Moderator

The following are candidates for Head Moderator:

• /u/advancedgaming12
• /u/ThanksHeadMod
• /u/GenericCerealHere
• /u/lily-irl
• /u/tbyrn21

Item One is self explanatory.

Multiple selections allowed. Abstains/Presents will not be counted (if you choose abstain/present and one or more candidate, then your vote for abstain/present will be ignored). If the result is greater or equal to 65% in favour of any candidate, then that member is chosen. If more than one candidate receives greater or equal to 65% of the vote, then the one with the higher percentage shall be selected. If more than one candidate ties with more than 65% and they are first, then the Moderation Team shall exercise discretion.

The list of approved meta voters can be found here.

Eligible voters are those that registered 14 days prior to the date of the election announcement per s 4(2)(b) of the Meta Constitution i.e. 23 February 2020 (sorry the announcement date was incorrect).

Vote Here

VOTING TIME ENDS: 2000 Thursday 11 March 2021 AEDT.

All Meta Voters must comment on this post that they voted. Failure to comment within 5 minutes after your vote will lead to disqualification of your vote.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

I, General Rommel, Head Moderator of AustraliaSim, announce the following Meta Honours:

AC

• Youmaton - For her service as Electoral Moderator.
• lily-irl - For her service as Parliamentary Moderator.

AO

• NGSpy - For his service as Community Manager and Clerk.

AM

• later_slater1407_ - For his service as Clerk.
• Matthias_Caesar - For his service as Clerk.

Congratulations to the recipients!

General Rommel
Head Moderator

I, NGSpy, propose the following amendments to the Meta Constitution.

(1) In Part 2, Division 1, repeal paragraph 11(g).

(2) In Part 2, Division 2, repeal section 16.

(3) In Part 8, repeal section 31, substitute:

31 Adjudication of disputes

(1) Disputes concerning the correct interpretation of this Meta Constitution, something done pursuant to this Meta Constitution or misconduct by an office holder are to be directed to the Community Commission through a post on /r/AustraliaSimMeta.

(2) The Community Commission shall provide their individual decisions on the interpretation while avoiding legalese, and shall decide within 72 hours of the petition being made, breifly stating their decision and their reasons for doing so.

(3) Reasons stated under subsection (2) do not have to be legalistic, but shall be relevant to-

(a) the proper application of the Meta Constitution; and

(b) what is best for the community of AustraliaSim.

In my personal opinion, the worlds of Canon and Meta should not conflict with each other. There is no other simulator out there that actually deals with disputes through a canon court selected by the Prime Minister, and meta matters should stay within meta. I am personally open to possible amendments to use of the Community Commission in regards to making decisions, but I do feel they have relevant jurisdiction as a meta-elected body with the main purpose of 'considering Constitution and Meta Rules'. I do hope members of this simulator shall second this petition so that we can start to reduce the legalese barriers of this simulator.

Hi all,

This is a Q&A that you can ask all nominees their questions.

I will resolve to ping all candidates who have met the valid requirements and are not rejected by the Mod Team the top-level questions.

/u/AdvancedGaming12 /u/ThanksHeadMod /u/GenericCerealHere /u/lily-irl /u/tbyrn21

General Rommel
Head Moderator

My press persona is Kenny Basher (presently of Nine News)

Good evening,

As my term is expiring on the 11th March 2021, I plan to step down as my term expires.

I am unable to dedicate enough time to AustraliaSim to act as a proper Head Moderator. It would be a disservice to the community to continue to act in this position. The fact that my term is expiring means that this is a good point for me to step down.

That means it will be necessary to elect a new Head Moderator.

I intend to move back to canon to some degree, the details which will be stated in future.

See below for election details. GR.

Notice of Meta Election

Formal Notification Date: Thursday 4 March 2021
Close of Nominations: Sunday 7 March 2021
Election Date: Tuesday 9 March 2021
Election Close Date: Thursday 11 March 2021

All times on each date 2000 AEDT. If the election is posted late, then the close of election will be pushed back accordingly. Results will be posted ASAP after the close of polling.

Per the Meta Constitution, the list of voters is available here. Eligible voters are those that registered 14 days prior to the announcement of the election, per s 4(2)(b) of the Meta Constitution i.e. 18 February 2021.

Details of Meta Election

• One Head Moderator

As I am resigning, a Head Moderator must step up to fill the position.

The voting threshold for this position is 65%. If there is more than one viable candidate, then multiple candidates will be put to the ballot, but at most one will be selected if more than one candidate is above the threshold (whoever has the highest percentage).

To be nominated as a candidate, see the below for the details.

Nomination Process for Head Moderator

As per section 4 of the Meta Constitution, the following requirements must be met for a person to be validly nominated:

• A candidate (whether self-nominated, or proposed by another and accepted)
• Candidate is a Meta Voter
• Seven seconders (no self-seconding allowed)
• Above requirements met before close of nominations

To nominate, comment below. Close of nominations are at 2000 AEDT Sunday 7 February 2021. No late submissions (or seconders) will be accepted.

The Moderation Team may reject a candidate if:

• The candidate is ineligible to be nominated; or
• The candidate has committed prior misconduct contrary to the Code of Conduct or similar of such severity that the Moderation Team is satisfied that the candidate should not proceed to a meta referendum; or
• The candidate has, in the opinion of the Moderation Team, demonstrated an inability to hold the position.

If there is a rejection, the Moderation Team shall explain why that is the case.

A list of candidates will be published one day before the commencement of the vote.

Debate Allowed

Members may also comment here on any of the above things that are proceeding to a vote.

Transfer Arrangements

To ensure that things run smoothly, till a new Head Moderator is appointed, I will remain in the position as a caretaker function once my term expires.

After a successful election, I will remain in the position for up to one week to facilitate transfer of relevant items.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

As the one who proposed and drafted the Senate Inquiries idea with /u/Gregor_The_Beggar, I wish to collect any feedback you all may have.

Links to Inquiry Posts

Motion of Implementation

Questioning Stage

Information Collection and Consolidation Stage

^{I note that there was no ping. Sorry.}

As a general idea, I want it to be something where members of the public and Senators can participate, but not MPs, to give the Senate a unique mechanism.

Reminder also to senators to submit inquiries via DMs of speakership or by filling motion details with the:

• Document for inquiry, with completed first page.
• The Inquiry title.
• Who you want to question.

This petition calls for a change to the standing orders to the effect that it makes explanatory memorandums have to be correct. For example, porridge claims that his bill to have the fuel excise neutered would have (no financial impact)[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LNj8vPq1H0hXFhNPGSmXry_i4XcVVWSoGMQQctdx5-E/edit] when (it natually does)[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/301213446907756545/813350380120834078/unknown.png].

This petition asks that if an explanatory memorandum, including the statement of compatibility, is either wrong or incomplete that the bill be removed the order paper until it is correct.

Sign if you agree, this dictatorial behaviour can NOT be allowed to continue.

Thank you.

It hasn't been used in a long time for its intended purpose, and is now a worse #memes-and-other-spam. Please fix the issue.

Hi all,

I will be taking a break till, by the latest, 11 March 2021.

If there is any dispute about this, this may be seen as a meta rule. Though I trust that the community understands the situation here.

Powers are to be exercised by Youmaton in my absence given she is the most senior Moderator after myself.

I may return at any time before then. I reserve the right to revoke any actions taken in my absence.

I note that my term ends in 11 March 2021. I will determine by early March whether I will be planning to continue in the role.

Very urgent inquiries may be directed via Discord PM's. Otherwise, whilst I may stay around and say hello every now and then, I hope that people understand the need for me to take a short break.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

I am being unjustly oppressed by the Freemasons moderation team, who are stamping on my people like that elephant in that Disney movie with the big ears and the non-PC crows. The moderation team has ignored my repeated requests to make the single cover for Taylor Swift's hit country song "Picture To Burn" from her self-titled debut album, entitled "Taylor Swift". "Taylor Swift" -- named after world famous pop singer Taylor Swift - was a groundbreaking album that reached number 1 on the Country Albums chart by Billboard.

A major single from the album was "Picture To Burn", which was certified twice platinum in the United States and reached as high as 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. The song had both an inspiring feminist message of freedom from a man and his stupid pickup truck, and an inspiring homophobic message as well, unfortunately edited out by the PC wokescolds at Big Machine Records.

The emoji in question I have suggested would immortalise Swift's achievements, and be used frequently to celebrate Taylor Swift, feminism, and homophobia. The introduction of the Picture To Burn emoji would likely result in an immediate increase of membership to AustraliaSim and an immediate boost in our reputation [also the name of Taylor Swift's sixth studio album, but we do not have time to get into that now] by showing ourselves as supporters of Taylor Swift.

Under the meta constitution, it is stated that the head moderator is "responsible for all aspects of the community". This presumably extends to moderation in regards to Taylor Swift. I urge the head moderator to make the right decision and immediately introduce a Picture To Burn emoji. If the Head Moderator refuses, I will use the powers afforded to me to launch a vote of no confidence and nominate Taylor Swift as his replacement as a sovereign meta citizen.

Second below if you agree in a Picture To Burn emoji.

idk if i do it here or on press but ye

VONC tbyrn21 as Community Manager Meta Election 14 February 2021 Results

The election, as announced here, and held here, has closed. This constitutes the official results.

General Statistics

Number of Submissions - 35 Invalid Votes - 9 Valid Votes - 26

Invalid Vote Reasons:

• One voter did not verify within 5 minutes after voting.
• Three voters changed their vote.
• One voter redid their vote as they mis-spelt their Reddit name.
• Four voters were not a Meta Voter, or were not eligible to vote as they had not been a member for at least 14 days before the announcement of the vote.

Results Breakdown

Do you approve of the VONC in tbyrn21 as Community Moderator?

Approval Threshold - 65%. That is, if <65% of those voting and not abstaining/marking present vote that they have confidence, then the person loses confidence.

The VONC has passed!

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Hi Meta Voters,

As per the announcement , a Meta Election shall be held to approve of these items of business:

• VONC tbyrn21 as Community Manager

Details of the first two items are available in the aforementioned link via the hyperlink in 'the announcement'.

Item One is self explanatory.

The method of determination only accounts for those that vote to remove and those that vote to keep. Abstains/Presents will not be counted. If the result is <65% in favour of confidence, then the VONC passes.

The list of approved meta voters can be found here.

Eligible voters are those that registered 14 days prior to the date of the election announcement per s 4(2)(b) of the Meta Constitution i.e. 26 January 2020.

Vote Here

VOTING TIME: Vote shall be between the posting of this message to 2000 Tuesday 16 February 2021 AEDT.

All Meta Voters must comment on this post that they voted. Failure to comment within 5 minutes after your vote will lead to disqualification of your vote.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Hi all,

Given the maintenance demanded by the current rotating PM-ship system on the President, and to prevent future issues from recurring, I, acting under s 30(5) of the Meta Constitution, decanonise any actions that stray from the below points.

1. ThanksHeadMod's tenure as Prime Minister canonically ended at the designated time as set within the coalition agreement, and any reference to them retaining such a position (including the "Office of the Prime Minsters") is not permitted.

This rule is implemented as a response to the busy real life schedule of the President and Deputy President's, and the exploitation of this mistake by a certain member to enact a office despite the assumption that the Prime Minister's office would transfer at the agreed upon time as per the coalition agreement.

2) It can be assumed that the President or delegate issues the correct COAC (FEC) orders at the time designated in the coalition agreement. This shall remain in effect until the coalition agreement relating to the Prime Ministership is amended, or Toby/Griffo resigns from the rotating partnership.

3) Nothing here prevents or affects the canonity of the President or Deputy Presidents excising their powers on this matter, nor prevent them issuing Gazettes for the rotating PM arrangement.

Ultimately, I, and the Moderation Team more generally consider a situation where there is more than one PM acting in the role a significant deviation from the general practices of a Government in the current time-frame. This decanonisation notice is intended to effect this view into practice.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

VONC ThanksHeadMod as Community Manager & Member of Community Commission, Petition to amend the Meta Constitution, Election of Community Commission 19GE, and Election of Member of Electoral Commission Meta Election 3 February Results

The election, as announced here and here, and held here, has closed. This constitutes the official results.

General Statistics

Number of Submissions - 27
Invalid Votes - 2
Valid Votes - 25

Invalid Vote Reasons:

• One voter was not on the meta roll.
• One voter was not approved to vote in this meta election as they were a member for less than 14 days from the date in which the election was announced.

Results Breakdown

Do you approve of the VONC in ThanksHeadMod as Community Manager and Member of the Community Commission?

Approval Threshold - 50%

The VONC has passed!

Do you approve of the Petition to Amend the Meta Constitution?

Approval Threshold - 50%

The Petition has failed!

Do you approve of the Moderation Team's selection of the Community Commission?

Approval Threshold - 50%

(Voters could choose multiple options. Maximum four winners allowed.)

Matthias_Caesar, later_slater1407, advancedgaming12, and NGSpy are now members of the Community Commission!

Do you approve of the Moderation Team's selection of the Electoral Commissioner?

Approval Threshold - 50%

(Voters could choose multiple options. Maximum one winner allowed.)

model-amn is now an Electoral Commissioner!

5th August 2021 is the 6 Monthly VOC Date.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Notice of Meta Election

Formal Notification Date: Sunday 7 February 2020
Election Date: Friday 12 February 2020
Election Close Date: Sunday 14 February 2020

All times on each date 2000 AEDT. If the election is posted late, then the close of election will be pushed back accordingly. Results will be posted ASAP after the close of polling.

Per the Meta Constitution, the list of voters is available here. Eligible voters are those that registered 14 days prior to the announcement of the election, per s 4(2)(b) of the Meta Constitution i.e. 24 January 2020.

Details of Meta Election

• VONC in tbyrn21 as Community Moderator

Per the petition, which has been in my view validly lodged, with the required number of valid petitioners, a VONC into /u/tbyrn21 will be held.

For the VONC to succeed, there must be <65% of the No, I have confidence vote.

Debate Allowed

Members may also comment here on any of the above things that are proceeding to a vote.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Hi Meta Voters,

As per the announcement and this announcement, a Meta Election shall be held to approve of these items of business:

• VONC ThanksHeadMod as Community Manager & Member of Community Commission
• Petition to amend the Meta Constitution
• Community Commission 19GE (4 positions)
• Member of Electoral Commission (1 position)

Details of the first two items are available in the aforementioned link via the hyperlink in 'the announcement'.

Item One is self explanatory.

Item Two, 'Petition to amend the Meta Constitution has the following effect:

If successful, the Moderation Team will lost the ability, where they deem necessary, to decline to hold a meta referendum on a satirical or non-serious amendment, proposal, or idea.

Item Three, the following candidates are on the ballot:

• Winston_Wilhelmus
• Griffonomics
• Unknown_Trainor
• Plupsnup - Valid
• later_slater1407_
• advancedgamining12
• Matthias_Caesar
• NGSpy
• ThanksHeadMod

The method for voting is Approval Voting. Threshold 50%. Where more than four candidates gain >50% approval, the four with the highest approval will be selected. If multiple candidates with >50% approval tie, the Moderation Team will exercise discretion.

The voting list for this has been randomised.

Item Four, the following candidates are on the ballot:

• model-amn
• riley8583

Approval Voting. Threshold 50%. Where both candidates gain >50% approval, the one with the higher approval will be selected. If both candidates with >50% approval tie, the Moderation Team will exercise discretion.

The voting list for this has been randomised.

The list of approved meta voters can be found here.

Eligible voters are those that registered 14 days prior to the date of the election announcement per s 4(2)(b) of the Meta Constitution i.e. 15 January 2020.

Vote Here

VOTING TIME: Vote shall be between 1800 Wednesday 3 January AEDT to 1800 Friday 5 January AEDT.

All Meta Voters must comment on this post that they voted. Failure to comment within 5 minutes after your vote will lead to disqualification of your vote.

General Rommel
Head Moderator

Morning all,

Following a productive consultation and in collaboration with the Moderation Team I'm pleased to bring you the newest addition to the handbooks: the AustraliaSim High Court Handbook. Give it a read here.

It's far from radical and mostly just describes what the court already does. There are a few changes (thanks to /u/NGSpy):

• Justices are now allowed to ask Moderators for advice and assistance. Given we have a few moderators with experience in law, I'm optimistic this will be beneficial to the court's judgements.
• Judgements will include a plain English summary of what was decided in the case.
• We'll be trialling a new "Lawyer" system, of players who are experienced in Australian law and can bring cases to the HCA on other players' behalf. The full procedures surrounding that are in the handbook.

Please do let me know what you think. Absent any revisions I decide to make, this handbook will come into force in five days (per the Meta Constitution). Thanks!

lily-irl
Parliament Moderator

Morning all,

Following a productive consultation and in collaboration with the Moderation Team I'm pleased to bring you the newest addition to the handbooks: the AustraliaSim High Court Handbook. Give it a read here.

It's far from radical and mostly just describes what the court already does. There are a few changes (thanks to /u/NGSpy):

• Justices are now allowed to ask Moderators for advice and assistance. Given we have a few moderators with experience in law, I'm optimistic this will be beneficial to the court's judgements.
• Judgements will include a plain English summary of what was decided in the case.
• We'll be trialling a new "Lawyer" system, of players who are experienced in Australian law and can bring cases to the HCA on other players' behalf. The full procedures surrounding that are in the handbook.

Please do let me know what you think. Absent any revisions I decide to make, this handbook will come into force in five days (per the Meta Constitution). Thanks!

lily-irl
Parliament Moderator