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1. What are the changes to Australian domain names?

Earlier this year the option of .au domain names was introduced.

This means you’re now able to register and use a shorter domain name, such as yourbusiness.au rather than yourbusiness.com.au.

So, for example, if Joe owns joesbusiness.com.au, he has until 20 September 2022 to register joesbusiness.au as well.

After this priority period, the .au domain will become available to the general public on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

2. Who is eligible for a .au domain?

To be eligible for a .au domain, you must have a current Australian presence. This includes:

  • an Australian registered company
  • an Australian partnership or sole trader
  • an owner of an Australian registered trade mark
  • an Australian registered charity
  • an Australian registered political party
  • a trust where the trustee is an Australian citizen
  • a foreign company licensed to trade in Australia
  • a permanent Australian resident or citizen (not supported at the time of launch)

These rules are administered by the .au Domain Administration, known as the auDA, a not-for-profit organisation that works with a range of stakeholders including industry, government and the Australian and international community.

3. How much does a .au domain name cost?

auDA lists the wholesale price of a .au domain at $8.67 per year including GST. Registrars set the retail price so it’s worth shopping around to find a registrar with a competitive price and whose services meet your needs.

Generally, you can register a domain name for between one and 5 years, with extensions available if you continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the domain.

4. What action should you take?

You can apply for your .au domain through your existing domain name registrar, or by visiting any auDA accredited registrar

5. How can you reserve a .au direct domain during the priority period?

The .au direct domain priority period runs until 20 September 2022.

During this time, you can:

  • apply for the exact match of any existing .au domain name that you are the registrant of. If there is more than one claim to the same domain, such as the registrants of businessname.com.au and businessname.net.au both applying, these names will be allocated according to the Priority Allocation Process.
  • register new .au direct names that are not already registered in the .au registry (i.e. names are not registered in any existing .au namespace such as com.au or org.au etc.)

6. What are the benefits of a .au domain name for your business?

This new category of domain name allows users to register shorter, more memorable online names.

This can be good for your branding, marketing and advertising – after all, the more memorable your brand is, the better.

Registering the different variations makes it easier for people to find your website and provides you with the simplest website possible for your branding and marketing.

Even if you don’t plan on using the new .au direct domain name, registering it now ensures you have access to it in the future. This will also help you protect yourself, your business or your organisation from attempts at fraud or types of cybercrime.

7. What happens if your business doesn’t register a .au direct domain?

You don’t have to register the .au direct domain if you don’t want to. This process is optional and does not affect your existing .au domain names. Your existing name in the .au domain will continue to operate as it does today, provided you keep your registration up to date.

However, it’s important to consider the risks of not doing so, including cybersecurity risks.

Your domain name is an important part of your business – its identity, brand and marketing. If you choose not to buy your .au direct domain, then following the end of the priority period on 20 September 2022, it will become possible for others to register it.

It’s generally a good idea to register the different endings of domain names, such as the .com and the .com.au versions. The same thinking applies to new .au domains.

If you don’t register the .au alternative, it’s also possible that someone else could step in and take it. Consider this risk carefully and how it might affect your business and its operation in the future.

Should you have any questions specific to your situation, contact us at questions@accoladeaccounting.com.au