From: Martin Splitter 
Sent: Thursday, 29 July 2004 12:38 PM
To: jo.lim@auda.org.au
Subject: Geographic domain name restrictions



Hi

I write in reference to the review currently underway regarding restrictions 
on the use of geographic names in the Australian .au domain space. We are a 
website design and hosting service provider, and a reseller of both Melbourne 
IT (since 1996) and NetRegistry (2002) and have registered hundreds of domains.

I request that the restrictions be removed completely as I disagree with this 
kind of regulation of a free market environment. However, I do request that 
appropriate rules regarding eligibility and ownership be implemented and 
applied so that only legitimate persons and enterprises can acquire these 
names. In particular, proof of ownership of a business or company name which 
incorporates the relevant place name should be required prior to any such 
domain name being acquired. Place of business or residence should NOT be 
sufficient grounds for eligibility.

I trust that you will consider this submission on its merits and I look 
forward to the outcome of the review.

Martin Splitter