.au Licensing Rules Review: Expressions of Interest open for auDA Policy Advisory Panel 2025
As administrators of the .au, auDA is responsible for ensuring the .au Domain Administration Rules: Licensing remain robust and fit for purpose, as well as take into account community expectations. The last review concluded in 2019 and auDA is pleased to announce a new review will commence shortly.
The review will be conducted in accordance with the Process for the Development and Review of auDA Published Policies.
Prior to the review, an external .au Policy Advisory Panel (Panel) will be established to oversee the review.
The Panel will undertake broad public consultation that will be guided by the Panel’s Terms of Reference.
Call for Expressions of Interest
auDA now seeks expressions of interest from the public for the roles of Panel members and a Panel Chair.
Panel members will be appointed with consideration to their skill, experience and knowledge of the domain name industry, with representation sought from key .au stakeholder groups.
The Chair of the Panel will be appointed on the basis of their leadership skills and abilities in digital policy, legal or technical internet expertise, stakeholder management skills and with a demonstrable commitment to best practice governance.
Expressions of interest for the roles of Panel members and Panel Chair close at 5pm AEST on 5 June 2025.
The Panel Chair will be appointed in mid 2025 followed by appointment of the Panel members.
The Panel will commence public consultations in the second half of 2025. It is envisaged that a final report will be delivered to the auDA Board in April 2026.
For further information please see notes below, the auDA website, or contact Barbara Schade, auDA Senior Compliance Policy Officer at policy@auda.org.au or on 03 8341 4108.
ENDS
Notes
About you
Panel members:
Panel members will be highly motivated individuals with an interest in ensuring a .au licensing regime that provides the greatest benefit for the Australian community and a commitment to multi-stakeholder processes. The Panel will comprise up to seven members, in addition to the Panel Chair.
Panel members will be appointed with consideration to their skill their individual skills, experience and knowledge of the domain name industry, with broad representation on the panel sought from the following key stakeholder groups:
- Domain name consumers
- Domain name suppliers
- Peak business bodies or small business
- Consumer protection bodies
- Academia with expertise in internet policy or domain names
- Australian Government organisations such as the National Anti-Scam Centre
- auDA membership.
The Panel will:
- Ensure a genuine multi-stakeholder approach in consultation with the public and key stakeholders
- Work collaboratively to actively review policy issues and identify outcomes that are effective and proportionate to the issue being addressed
- Demonstrate accountability and transparency in the Panel’s activities and processes
- Deliver a final report setting out any recommendations for change, supported by information, evidence and submissions obtained during the review process.
The Panel will be supported in their work by a Secretariat provided by auDA.
Panel Chair:
The Chair of the Panel will be a highly respected leader with digital policy, legal or technical internet expertise, stakeholder management skills and a commitment to best practice governance. The Chair is responsible for the leadership and governance of the Panel and for facilitating a positive and effective Panel culture.
The Chair will facilitate honest, direct and respectful engagement with stakeholders and the public and demonstrate exceptional communication skills. Previous experience leading a panel or board is highly valued but not mandatory.
