.au Domain Administration Services and Governance

The .au Domain Administration Services and Governance are overseen by auDA, the .au Domain Administration. auDA is responsible for the administration of the .au domain space.

auDA's key objectives include ensuring the stability and security of the .au domain space, as well as promoting the benefits of the .au domain to the Australian community. These objectives are outlined in auDA's Governance Framework.

auDA has a number of policies in place to govern the .au domain space, including the .au Domain Names Policy and the .au Registration Policy. These policies provide a framework for the registration and use of .au domain names.

auDA's Governance Framework also includes the auDA Board, which is responsible for overseeing the administration of the .au domain space. The auDA Board is composed of 10 members, including representatives from the Australian internet community.

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In 1986, the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) delegated the .au ccTLD to Robert Elz of the University of Melbourne, who devised the second-level domain (2LD) name structure and introduced policies for eligibility.

The .com.au 2LD was initially reserved for registered commercial entities trading in Australia, and registrants had to align their domain with their commercial name.

By 1996, the demand for .com.au registrations became too great for Elz to handle alone, and he licensed the operation exclusively to Melbourne IT for a term of five years.

Melbourne IT charged between $125–150 per year for registrations and intended to remove pre-existing .com.au names whose owners had not paid registration fees by March 1997.

However, this prompted ISP iiNet to file a class-action lawsuit, which was later withdrawn when Melbourne IT assured them it would not remove existing domains until at least October 1997.

In recognition of the deteriorating state of .au, the Australian Internet community established a new policy development body called Australian Domain Name Administration (ADNA) in June 1997.

ADNA was tasked with taking control of .au and operating the domain space for the public good, but it was marked by internal conflicts.

After two years of internal struggles, ADNA was renamed .au Domain Administration (auDA) and adopted a new constitution, procedures, and board.

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auDA is the policy authority and industry self-regulatory body for the .au domain space, charged with managing and maintaining a secure and stable domain name system.

Here's a brief timeline of key events in the history of .au Domain Administration:

auDA is a member-based organization, and the .au member program is open to anyone eligible to hold a .au domain name. Members are entitled to vote at General Meetings of auDA and to nominate and elect representatives to the board of directors.

The auDA Board is responsible for directing the organization, with two distinct categories of directors: appointed directors and elected directors. Dr Bruce Tonkin is the current CEO of auDA, having taken office on 1 January 2025.

The organization has a clear structure, with different domain names allocated to specific types of entities. For example, .com.au is designed for commercial entities, while .org.au is for charities and non-profit organizations.

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Here's a breakdown of the domain names and their intended users:

auDA is a member-based organisation, which means anyone eligible to hold a .au domain name can join the .au member program. This gives members the right to vote at General Meetings and nominate representatives to the board of directors.

The auDA Board is responsible for directing the organisation, and there are two types of directors: appointed and elected. Appointed directors are chosen by the board, while elected directors are chosen through a ballot of .au members.

Dr Bruce Tonkin has been the CEO of auDA since January 2025, having previously served as Chief Operating Officer from 2018 to 2024. Alan Cameron AO is the current Independent Chair of auDA, having started the role in November 2019.

The naming rules for .au require registrations under second-level categories that describe a type of entity. For example, .com.au is for commercial entities, while .org.au is for charities and non-profit organisations.

Here's a breakdown of some of the main domain categories:

auDA is also introducing direct registrations at the second level, such as "yourname.au", which is expected to launch on March 24, 2022.

The CEO of auDA - .au Domain Administration Ltd. is Bruce Tonkin. He's the one in charge of leading the organization.

auDA, the administrator of the .au domain space, has a wide range of responsibilities, but Bruce Tonkin is the one overseeing it all.

As the CEO, Bruce Tonkin is responsible for ensuring that auDA's policies and procedures are in place to protect the .au domain space.

auDA performs various functions, including developing and implementing domain name policy, licensing 2LD registry operators, and accrediting and licensing registrars.

Here are some of the key functions of auDA:

These functions are crucial to maintaining the integrity and security of the .au domain space.

auDA - .au Domain Administration Ltd. is based in Melbourne, Victoria. This physical presence plays a significant role in the organization's daily operations.

The location of auDA's headquarters is a crucial factor in its ability to effectively manage the .au domain space.

Domain Name Management is a crucial aspect of .au domain administration. auDA, the administrator and manager of the .au ccTLD, plays a key role in this process.

auDA is responsible for developing and implementing domain name policy. This ensures that the .au domain space is managed in a fair and transparent manner.

auDA licenses 2LD registry operators, which allows them to manage specific subdomains within the .au domain. This helps to maintain a structured and organized domain space.

auDA also accredits and licenses registrars, who are responsible for handling domain name registrations on behalf of domain owners. This adds an extra layer of accountability and ensures that registrars operate within the guidelines set by auDA.

auDA implements consumer safeguards to protect domain owners from unfair practices. This includes measures such as dispute resolution policies and complaint procedures.

Here are the key functions of auDA in domain name management:

The .au domain space operates with the endorsement of the Australian Government and has the delegated authority of ICANN.

auDA is responsible for devising policy for .au, which involves combining public input with industry representation.

The day-to-day operation of the .au registry technical facility is tendered out by auDA, with AusRegistry performing the registry role since 2002.

In 2017, Afilias won a competitive tender process to take over the running of the registry from AusRegistry.

Consumers who want to register a .au domain must do so via a domain name registrar, as the registry does not sell domain registration services directly to the consumer.

There is an active competitive market in registrars, offering a variety of prices and services since the industry's liberalisation in 2002.

auDA introduced the auDA information security standard (ISS) in 2013, which is a mandatory requirement for all accredited registrars.

All accredited registrars are required to be certified as ISS compliant within 24 months.

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The .au domain namespace has a strict licensing and eligibility requirement, which has helped it avoid cybersquatting and fraudulent uses of domains. This "policy rich" approach to the name space was begun by Robert Elz and continued by auDA.

auDA requires registrants to have either an exact match or a "close and substantial connection" to their desired domain name. This is a key factor in maintaining the integrity of the .au domain space.

Direct registration in .au was introduced on 24 March 2022, allowing for domain names like "yourname.au". This follows the introduction of direct registration in other country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) like .uk and .nz.

auDA has a set of formal published policies and rules that apply to all domains registered in the .au namespace. These policies and rules are regularly updated to ensure the continued integrity of the domain space.

The .au domain namespace has several open top and second-level domains managed by auDA, including .asn.au for non-commercial organisations, .au for anyone with a validated Australian presence, and .com.au for commercial purposes.

Here are some of the open top and second-level domains managed by auDA:

auDA has been known to suspend or cancel domain registrations that potentially breach their policy in response to public outcry. This includes instances where domain names have been redirected to a registrant's own homepage.

auDA manages various open top and second-level domains. The .asn.au domain is for non-commercial organisations, including associations, political parties, and charities.

A key aspect of the .asn.au domain is that it includes organisations incorporated in any Australian State or Territory. This makes it a popular choice for groups with a national presence.

The .au domain is for anyone with a validated Australian presence, including Australian citizens and residents, and commercial entities registered in Australia. This makes it a broad and versatile domain.

Here's a list of some of the key second-level domains managed by auDA:

The .asn.au and .org.au domains have specific requirements and restrictions, but the .com.au and .net.au domains are more general-purpose.

Third level domains are a crucial part of the Australian domain name management system. They provide a way to identify the state or territory a domain belongs to.

Schools use third level domains that reflect their locale. For example, a school in Western Australia would register "schoolname.wa.edu.au".

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State-based third level domains are managed independently by the states. This means that each state has its own way of organizing its domains.

Here's a list of state/organisation abbreviations and their corresponding domains:

Tertiary institutions, on the other hand, are often exempt from requiring state-based distinctions. This means they can have a domain name that doesn't include the state abbreviation. For example, Edith Cowan University in Western Australia has a domain of "ecu.edu.au" rather than "ecu.wa.edu.au".

auDA is responsible for handling complaints and disputes related to .au domain names, including complaints about registrars and resellers.

auDA's Dispute Resolution Policy, known as the auDRP, was adopted in 2016 and applies to all domain names in the Australian open 2LD's registered after 2002.

To resolve domain name disputes, auDA uses an external accredited dispute resolution provider, chosen by the complainant, from a list of two auDA-approved providers: the World Intellectual Property Organization and the Resolution Institute.

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A single domain name dispute may concern one or more Australian domain names, and the registrar of record must impose a registry lock on the domain name until the completion of the proceeding.

To succeed in a domain name complaint under the auDRP, the complainant must establish all three grounds: the complainant has rights in a trademark, the respondent has no legitimate rights or interests in the domain name, and the respondent has registered or used the domain name in bad faith.

auDRP complaints can result in either cancellation or transfer of the domain name, depending on the complainant's eligibility to hold the domain name.

Decisions issued under the auDRP are published in an archive database and are implemented automatically by the domain name's registrar of record unless court proceedings are commenced within 10 business days.

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The .au Registry is managed by AusRegistry Pty Ltd, which was authorized by auDA to operate the open 2LDs, including .com.au, .net.au, and .id.au, until 2014.

The .au registry is composed of a database of domain names registered in each 2LD and a public WHOIS service.

auDA represents .au at ICANN meetings and other international fora, and is responsible for the management of the .au domain name system zone file. This file contains a list of DNS servers for the second-level domains in the .au domain space.

Here are the open top and second-level domains managed by auDA:

auDA performs various functions as the administrator and manager of the .au ccTLD, including developing and implementing domain name policy, licensing 2LD registry operators, and accrediting and licensing registrars.

The role of DA, or auDA, is a crucial one in the world of internet governance. auDA is the administrator and manager of the .au ccTLD.

auDA develops and implements domain name policy to ensure the smooth operation of the .au domain. This includes creating and enforcing rules for domain name registration and management.

One of the key functions of auDA is to license 2LD registry operators. These operators manage the second-level domain registries within the .au domain.

auDA also accredits and licenses registrars, who are responsible for handling domain name registrations on behalf of auDA.

In addition to these functions, auDA implements consumer safeguards to protect the interests of domain name registrants. This includes ensuring that registrars operate fairly and transparently.

auDA also facilitates the .au Dispute Resolution Policy, which provides a framework for resolving disputes over domain name registrations.

Finally, auDA represents .au during ICANN meetings and activities, as well as in other international Internet organizations. This helps to promote the interests of the .au community on the global stage.

Here are some of the key functions of auDA:

The .au Registry is managed by AusRegistry Pty Ltd, which was authorized by auDA to operate the open 2LDs until 2014.

AusRegistry's role was to maintain a database of domain names registered in each 2LD and provide a public WHOIS service.

The .au registry is composed of a database of domain names registered in each 2LD.

Here's a breakdown of the open top and second-level domains managed by auDA:

AuDA's role as the administrator and manager of the .au ccTLD involves several key functions, including developing and implementing domain name policy and licensing 2LD registry operators.

ICANN has a significant relationship with auDA. auDA represents .au at ICANN meetings and other international fora. ICANN approved the redelegation of the .au ccTLD to .auDA under a sponsorship agreement on October 25, 2001. auDA's CEO, Chris Disspain, has been the Council Chairman of ICANN's Country Code Names Supporting Organisation. Chris Disspain became part of the ICANN Board in June 2011. Jordan Carter joined auDA in July 2022 as the Internet Governance and Policy Director.

Meet the top employees who make registry and governance a success. They are the ones who ensure that the registry is accurate and up-to-date.

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These top employees are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the registry, which involves verifying the accuracy of information and making sure that all records are complete and consistent.

They also play a crucial role in implementing governance policies, which helps to prevent errors and ensure that the registry is used correctly.

In fact, research shows that organizations with effective governance policies in place are 30% more likely to have a successful registry.

Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence are essential in maintaining the trust and confidence of stakeholders in the registry.

By doing their job well, they help to prevent errors and ensure that the registry is used correctly, which is critical to the success of any organization.

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Trusts can't register domains in their own name, they must be registered under the name of the trustee, which could be a person, a company, or a partnership.

This is because a trust is not a legal entity that can enter into agreements or hold assets, including domain names. If your domain is currently registered under a trust ABN, it needs to be corrected to avoid future suspension or cancellation.

The .au Direct namespace was made available to the public on 24 March 2022, and it's intended to complement the existing second-level domain namespaces.

There's no restriction on the domain names that can be registered in the .au Direct namespace, as long as the applicant satisfies the Australian presence requirement.

The .au Direct namespace proved popular, with over 716,000 .au direct names registered between March and December 2022.

Eligible domain name holders could apply for priority registration of a matching domain name in the new .au Direct namespace during an allocated sunrise period commencing 24 March 2022 until 20 September 2022.

Here are the three priority categories for priority registration:

The Domain Name Eligibility and Allocation Policy Rules were first adopted in May 2002.

These rules have undergone several revisions since their introduction, with updates in 2005, 2008, and 2012, followed by a further update in 2018.

To register a domain in the "open" .au namespace, the registrant must meet certain eligibility requirements.

The registrant must be an Australian business or organisation that meets auDA's eligibility criteria.

The domain name must be an exact match for the registrant's name or a variation that clearly identifies the registrant.

Here's a summary of the key eligibility requirements:

The decision-making process for domain name disputes is conducted "on the papers", meaning that written submissions are made by both the complainant and the respondent, without the need for a hearing.

The Priority Allocation process was introduced with the launch of .au direct on 24 March 2022.

All .au domain names registered prior to its launch were placed on a Priority Hold, giving existing licence holders a chance to apply for the matching .au direct name.

This allowed licence holders to apply for a name like example.au if they already held the licence for example.com.au.

The six-month Priority Allocation period opened on 24 March 2022 and ended on 20 September 2022.

After this time, matching .au direct domain names without a priority application became available to be registered by eligible members of the public.

More than 716,000 .au direct names were registered between March and December 2022.

State Namespaces are a way for local communities to have their own unique domain names. Introduced in 2004, they're intended for community websites that reflect community interests such as local business, tourism, historical information, culture, sporting groups, local events and news.

To qualify for a State Namespace, you must be a legally registered, not-for-profit entity and representative of the local community. This means commercial entities and local governments can't hold a State Namespace in their own right, but they can hold membership in entities set up to hold one.

State Namespaces use the state or territory's common abbreviation as the second level of the domain. For example, a community based in Victoria would receive a domain ending in ".vic.au", while a Northern Territory community would use ".nt.au".

Here's a list of State Namespaces:

As of November 2009, there were 91 active State Namespaces across Australia, with a further 115 either approved or awaiting approval.

The .au Direct namespace was made available to the public on March 24, 2022, providing domain holders with the option to register shorter, simpler domain names.

Unlike the existing second-level domain namespaces, there is no restriction on the domain names that can be registered in the .au Direct namespace, provided the domain name applicant satisfies the Australian presence requirement.

Existing domain name holders were eligible to apply for priority registration of a matching domain name in the new .au Direct namespace during an allocated sunrise period from March 24, 2022, to September 20, 2022.

The priority implementation policy had three categories: Category 1 for holders of domain names created prior to February 4, 2018, Category 2 for holders of domain names created on or after February 4, 2018, but prior to March 24, 2022, and General Availability for all other applicants.

If there were multiple priority applications for a given domain name, priority was allocated as follows: Category 1 applications had priority over Category 2 applications, and where there were multiple Category 1 applications, priority was allocated by agreement between the respective holders.

Here's a summary of the priority implementation policy categories:

auDA's annual reports provide valuable insights into the performance of the .au domain. As of 2021-22, the total domains under management stood at 3,603,924.

The average number of new domains created per month is around 61,000, based on the 2021-22 data. This is a significant increase from the 44,700 new domains created per month in 2019-20.

Here's a breakdown of the total domains under management and average new domains created per month over the past few years:

auDA's operations are also generating revenue, with the annual revenue reaching $15.5 million in 2025.

auDA - .au Domain Administration Ltd. has a significant annual revenue, with $15.5 million reported for 2025.

This substantial revenue is a testament to the organization's effective management and administration of the .au domain.

The exact figure of $15.5 million for 2025 is a specific fact that highlights auDA's financial standing.

The .au domain has seen significant growth over the years, with 3,603,924 total domains under management as of 2021-22.

In fact, the number of active domain names has consistently increased, with 3,339,032 total domains under management in 2020-21.

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auDA's Annual Reports provide valuable insights into the performance of the .au domain, including the average number of new domains created per month. In 2021-22, this number was 61,000.

Here's a breakdown of the total domains under management and average new domains created per month over the past few years:

The .com.au second-level domain namespace accounts for the vast majority of domain name registrations, with over 3 million registrations in 2020-21.

To ensure your domain remains eligible and compliant with auDA's rules, it's essential to take action.

Check your domain registration to ensure the ABN/ACN is valid and matches the current legal entity. If your domain is registered using a trust, you'll need to provide the full legal details of the trustee, including their ABN/ACN.

Here are the key details you'll need to provide:

We'll assist you in updating the registrant details with the correct trustee entity, so make sure to have this information ready.