.au domain administrator needs reform, says review

The federal government has released the findings of the review into the operation of Australia’s .au domain registration system.

“The central finding of the review is that auDA’s current management framework is no longer fit for purpose and reform is necessary if the company is to perform effectively and meet the needs of Australia’s internet community,” said the Minister for Communications and the Arts Senator Mitch Fifield.

The not-for-profit .au Domain Administration (auDA) — which oversees the operation of Australia’s .au domain — has lately been the subject of intense criticism from many sectors of the IT world.

The review of the .au domain system has produced 29 recommendations, all of which have been accepted by the government. They include:

• reforming auDA’s management framework
• supporting effective stakeholder engagement
• outlining the role and expectations of the government
• fostering greater trust and confidence in the .au namespace.
   

“The government’s review is timely to ensure the right framework is in place so that Australia’s .au domain administrator is modern, fit for purpose and supports the interests of Australia’s internet users,” Minister Fifield said.

“The government has issued modernised terms of endorsement to auDA, reflecting changes to the digital landscape. These terms of endorsement outline the government’s expectations and provide auDA with the mandate to make the necessary reforms to its governance arrangements.

“The government expects to see significant progress within the next 3 to 6 months from auDA in implementing these changes.”

The Minister said the Department of Communications and the Arts is to work closely with auDA’s management on the implementation of the new terms of endorsement.

Some of the requirements specified in the endorsement are:

• Emerging domain issues such as commercial opportunities should not detract from the domain administrator performing its core functions.
• The governance structure should have an independent process that can provide assurances of the suitability of candidates considered for board appointments, such as a Nomination Committee.
• The board must have a collective mix of technical and corporate skills, and industry experience, to effectively administer the .au namespace.
• The board must appoint a majority of directors who are independent of the organisation, including the Chair.
• The board must consult with stakeholders on deliberations and decisions that will impact on the Australian internet community.
   

In response to criticisms that the current functioning of auDA is opaque and lacks accountability, the government has stipulated, “Improved transparency and accountability is necessary to provide the assurance that the .au namespace is being managed consistent with government and community expectations.”

The government has also reinforced that it “has a strong interest in the management of Australia’s ccTLD” and that therefore the domain administrator must:

• provide quarterly updates on performance and work priorities to the Department;
• acknowledge that the government reserves the right to independently review auDA’s reporting and reporting processes at any time;
• ensure that a senior officer from the department is included in all relevant auDA governance processes, including, but not limited to, non-voting observer status at board meetings for all decisions;
• develop a strategy to enable an orderly transition to an alternative domain administrator in the event that endorsement is withdrawn by the government.
   

Finally, auDA must work with relevant government departments and agencies to:

• engage with key international security fora to ensure it is aware of international security developments and best practice;
• develop, maintain and, to the greatest extent possible, publish an enterprise security strategy which is informed by domestic and international best practice;
• work with the Department of Communications and the Arts to facilitate partnerships between auDA and relevant cybersecurity agencies.
   

The full report and the new terms of endorsement can be downloaded from the Department of Communications’ website.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/natali_mis

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