Findings of Australia’s .au domain review released

The Turnbull Government has today released the findings of the review into Australia’s .au domain.

The not-for-profit .au Domain Administration (auDA) oversees the operation of Australia’s .au domain, an intrinsic part of the identity of many Australian businesses and organisations operating on the internet.

The Minister for Communications and the Arts, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, said “The central finding of the review is that auDA’s current management framework is no longer fit-for-purpose and reform is necessary if the company is to perform effectively and meet the needs of Australia’s internet community.”

The review makes 29 recommendations which focus on:

• reforming auDA’s management framework
• supporting effective stakeholder engagement
• outlining the role and expectations of the Government
• fostering greater trust and confidence in the .au namespace.

All recommendations have been accepted by the Government.

“The Government’s review is timely to ensure the right framework is in place so that Australia’s .au domain administrator is modern, fit-for-purpose and supports the interests of Australia’s internet users,” Minister Fifield said.

“The Government has issued modernised terms of endorsement to auDA, reflecting changes to the digital landscape. These terms of endorsement outline the Government’s expectations and provide auDA with the mandate to make the necessary reforms to its governance arrangements.

“The Government expects to see significant progress within the next 3 to 6 months from auDA in implementing these changes.”

The Department of Communications and the Arts will work closely with auDA’s management on the implementation of the new terms of endorsement.

The report, public submissions, the new terms of endorsement and the Minister’s letter to auDA’s Board Chair are available at www.communications.gov.au/audomainreview