.au Licensing Rules Review (2025)

auDA periodically reviews the .au Domain Administration Rules: Licensing (.au Licensing Rules) so they reflect community expectations and remain effective over time.

The external Policy Advisory Panel appointed to carry out the review has commenced public consultation on the .au Licensing Rules.

Following an initial phase of consultation between September 2025 and March 2026 (phase 1), the Panel seeks public feedback on its Draft Report to the auDA Board, which outlines recommendations for proposed changes to the .au Licensing Rules (phase 2).

The Draft Report has been prepared by the independent Licensing Rules Review Panel (Panel) engaged by auDA, pursuant to the Terms of Reference as set out here. The Panel has overseen a multi-stakeholder consultation process since September 2025 through to March 2026 (Phase 1) and has sought public submissions and comments in writing and in person over this period.

This Draft Report contains the recommendations put forward by the Panel after having considered the stakeholder input during Phase 1. auDA will consider the recommendations set out in the Panel's final paper on the Review.

The .au Licensing Rules Review Public Consultation Listening Report provides a summary of community feedback during Phase 1 consultation activities (led by the external Policy Advisory Panel), including online and in-person workshops, as developed by ThinkPlace.

Opportunities to have your say

You can provide your feedback on the Draft Report by:

Submissions and feedback received during consultation will inform the Panel’s final report on the Review, including its recommendations to the auDA Board on potential changes to the .au Licensing Rules.

Issues Paper

As part of the Review, auDA conducted public consultation to understand key issues related to the .au Licensing Rules. Learn more about the key issues identified.

Background

In September 2025, the auDA Board approved the Panel to carry out the review over 2025-26.

The Panel will undertake extensive public consultation in late 2025 and early 2026 before making recommendations to the auDA Board on any proposed changes to the .au Licensing Rules by mid-2026. The Policy Review Panel will operate in accordance with its Terms of Reference.

The Panel comprises:

  1. Matt Healy (Chair)
  2. Dr Selvi Kannan
  3. Anthony Peake
  4. Erhan Karabardak
  5. Ian Kelly
  6. Ross Creelman
  7. Niluka Welungoda.

The scope of the review is set out in the Terms of Reference, which lists key issues that have been identified. The Panel may consider other issues as raised by the public during consultations.

The Policy Advisory Panel will undertake a multi-stakeholder consultation process to inform its recommendations to the auDA Board on proposed changes to the .au Licensing Rules.

A multi-stakeholder approach that includes in-person and virtual consultation will facilitate meaningful and diverse stakeholder contributions. Following an initial program of public consultation the Panel will develop a draft report for further feedback from the public.

The Panel will liaise with consumer protection groups to ensure the consumer perspective and relevant Government departments and agencies to ensure their perspectives are represented.

The Panel is committed to accountability and transparency in its operations and will publish its meeting agendas and minutes, and notes from stakeholder meetings to this webpage.

The review will be undertaken in accordance with the Process for the Development and Review of auDA Published Policies.

Phase 1 consultation

View phase 1 online consultation and find engagement activity information below.

View phase 1 consultation

Completed engagement activities

Questions?

Any questions or written submissions to the Panel can be directed to rulesreview25@auda.org.au.


  

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