.au Licensing Rules Review (2025)
.au Domain Administration (auDA) is an Australian not-for-profit community-based organisation, endorsed by the Australian Government to manage the .au domain for the benefit of all Australians.
The auDA Board has resolved to engage an external Policy Advisory Panel (Panel) to undertake a review of the .au Domain Administration Rules: Licensing (.au Licensing Rules) and ensure these rules remain relevant and effective over time.
The review will be undertaken in accordance with the auDA corporate policy Process for the Development and Review of auDA Published Policies.
The Panel will undertake extensive public consultation before making recommendations to the auDA Board on any proposed changes to the .au Licensing Rules. The Policy Review Panel will operate in accordance with its Terms of Reference.
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.
Expressions of interest for members and Chair of the auDA Policy Advisory Panel 2025
auDA sought expressions of interest from the public to join the Panel Panel tasked with undertaking a review of the .au Licensing Rules from May to June 2025. Appointments will be made in or around mid-2025.
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 Chair.
Panel members will be appointed on the basis of 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.
Panel members will be remunerated $5,000.
Panel responsibilities
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.
Role of the 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.
Remuneration will be based on the successful candidate’s skills and experience.
How to apply
Expressions of interest for the roles of Panel Chair and members are now closed.
If you submit an expression of interest for the role of Chair and are not successful, we will also consider you for a Panel member role. Please indicate in your application if you do not wish this to occur.
The Panel Chair will be appointed first and have a role in reviewing and shortlisting Panel member candidates. Accordingly, there will be several weeks between applications closing and the outcome for Panel member candidates.
Any questions can be directed to policy@auda.org.au or Barbara Schade auDA Senior Compliance Policy Officer on 03 8341 4108.