Politic persuasions aside, it is critical for the longevity of the
Australian Internet that the Labor Party does not legislate to take control
of the regulation of .au domain names (this could be achieved from the
opposition, though is very unlikely). The article below is part of Labor's
opposition to this industry's self regulation.  The horse has bolted on the
release of geographic names. However if stkilda.com.au (or similar) ends up
resolving to an Adult site, this will be 'evidence' needed to say that the
industry is unable to self regulate.

The fact that domain names are provided a 2 year licence (which I agree
with, though is a separate debate), could provide the current Government or
a future Government, the impetus to legislate so that upon expiry names are
placed on a reserved list or handled in another way.

Whether you agree with this or not, if this happens in the future, we are
going to have widespread problems as domain names can become the basis of a
brand that trades in eCommerce. Consider the impact of removal of this name
in x years time.

Not attempting to be an alarmist. I have a strong belief that this industry
should retain self regulation (and the policies that it imposes), as the
Internet needs flexibility to change policy and respond to market forces. If
legislated, I fear that flexibility, efficiency and to a certain extend,
innovation, will be hampered.

The only action that is currently required is the reinforcement of auda as
the Australian authority. This can be achieved through its financial
stability, a solid Board and good management. I believe that the industry as
a whole needs to take increased ownership and membership of auda.

Simply, I advocate self regulation and hope that the Government of the day
allows self determination.

Cheers

Marty


-----Original Message-----
From: Kim Davies [mailto:kim§cynosure.com.au] 
Sent: Tuesday, 31 May 2005 9:05 PM
To: dns§dotau.org
Subject: [DNS] Geographics raise Labor eyebrows

Apparently the Labor Party has criticised the government for not taking
control of .au policy
<http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200505/s1381112.htm>:

    The Labor Party says federal government plans to allow the sell-off
    of the names of every country town, district and regional centre in
    Australia as Internet domain names could see towns' names used for
    inappropriate websites.

    From tomorrow, Australian businesses will be able to apply to
    register commercial geographic names, like stkilda.com.au or
    bondi.net.au, which have previously been restricted.

    Shadow Agriculture Minister Gavan O'Connor says allowing the
    sell-off will cause enormous problems.

    "Every country town and rural district or regional centre that
    prides itself in its name, and identifies with its name, could have
    it flogged off to a business that's prepared to pay a high price for
    access to that domain name," he said.

    "We were instructed to go to the Las Vegas website and, of course,
    what came up on the screen was a brothel."

    But Prime Minister John Howard says the Federal Government is not
    responsible for the sale of Internet domain names for Australian
    towns and districts.

    Mr Howard has told Parliament a working group with members from
    state and territory governments, the Local Government Association
    and Internet representatives have developed the policy.

    Mr Howard says the first stage will give appropriate businesses the
    chance to lease the name for two years.

    "Importantly, the proceeds flowing from this will allow the second
    stage of this process, which will be reserved for community groups,
    that's sporting clubs, charities, local churches etc to allow them
    to establish an online presence for their towns and localities," he
    said.

    [snip]

kim

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