.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.
Opportunities to have your say
The Panel will hold a range of consultation activity to seek feedback from the community.
On 11 December 2025 at 3pm, it will hold a virtual town hall to explore some of the key issues identified as part of the Review to date. Learn more and register for the virtual town hall.
This session follows an introductory virtual town hall held on 27 November 2025, which provided an introduction to the Policy Advisory Panel and the process for policy reform. Watch the recording.
The Panel will hold some in person events across Australia in early 2026. Details will be published on this page when they become available.
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:
- Matt Healy (Chair)
- Dr Selvi Kannan
- Anthony Peake
- Erhan Karabardak
- Ian Kelly
- Ross Creelman
- 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.
Completed engagement activities
Questions?
Any questions or written submissions to the Panel can be directed to rulesreview25@auda.org.au.
Panel documents
- .au Licensing Rules Review (2025) - Policy Advisory Panel Terms of Reference
- Policy Advisory Panel - Expressions of Interest (2025)
- Policy Advisory Panel - Project Plan - .au Licensing Rules Review (2025)
- Policy Advisory Panel - Stakeholder Engagement Plan - .au Licensing Rules Review (2025)
- .au Licensing Rules Review (2025) - Contested Domains Research Report Summary
Agendas and Minutes
