From: Leisure & Tourism Link 
Sent: Friday, 9 July 2004 12:17 PM
To: jo.lim@auda.org.au
Subject: RESTRICTION ON GEOGRAPHIC NAMES IN COM.AU AND NET.AU

Dear Jo,

Thankyou for your email.

It seems that this restriction of people using Geographic Names applying to .com.au and net.au 
has already been breached. So why bother with the review?

For example
 http://www.sydney.com.au
 http://www.sydney.net.au
 http://www.brisbane.com.au
 http://www.brisbane.net.au
 http://www.melbourne.com.au
 http://www.melbourne.net.au

Are these Geographic names restricted to people (individuals) and companies or just people 
(individuals)?

1. Should the restriction on geographic names in com.au and net.au be maintained? If so, why?

This restriction has not been maintained and should start to be. If there was a full restriction 
on geographic names these above names would not exist or should never have been released.

OR

2. Should the restriction on geographic names in com.au and net.au be removed - ie. should people 
be allowed to register geographic names in com.au and net.au? If so, why?

The restriction has evidently been removed without a review - evidence the existence of 
registered geographic names to private enterprise.

As per above examples some people have been able to register these geographic names so why not 
allow other Aust registered business to register geographic names. If some people can register 
a prominent geographic name and not others then those business owners have a unfair advantage.

A standard needs to be set and adhered to not just in writing but in practice. That's what matters 
here.

I do not agree to the restriction (if it is in place) to be lifted.

Yes the restriction does require reviewing in terms of how it is applied and implemented.

Regards
Paul Rosser
Leisure & Tourism Link