The Department of Communications and the Arts has released the findings of a review of Australia’s .au internet domain system, foreshadowing major changes in the make-up, management and structure of the service.
In its report, Review of the .au Domain Administration, the Department found the not-for-profit .au Domain Administration (auDA) was an intrinsic part of the identity of many Australian businesses and organisations operating on the internet as it oversees the operation and management framework of the .au domain of the internet.
The Minister for Communications, Senator Mitch Fifield said the central finding of the review was that auDA’s current management framework was no longer fit-for-purpose and reform was necessary if it was to perform effectively and meet the needs of the internet community.
Senator Fifield said the digital landscape had changed significantly since auDA was endorsed by the Australian Government in 2000. As of late September 2017, more than three million .au domain names had been registered in Australia.
He said the review made 29 recommendations which focused on reforming auDA’s management framework; supporting effective stakeholder engagement; outlining the role and expectations of the Government; and fostering greater trust and confidence in the .au namespace.
All recommendations had been accepted by the Government.
Senator Fifield said modernised terms of endorsement had been issued to auDA, reflecting changes to the digital landscape.
“These outline the Government’s expectations and provide auDA with the mandate to make the necessary reforms to its governance arrangements,” he said.
“The Government expects to see significant progress within the next three-to-six months from auDA in implementing these changes.”
The Department’s 54-page report of its review can be accessed at this PS News link.
