How to Submit a .AU Direct Domain Complaint: A Comprehensive Guide

auDA is responsible for managing the .au domain space in Australia. It creates and maintains the .au Licensing Rules. These rules explain who can register a .au domain name and how they must follow certain requirements.

The rules also include a clear complaints process. This helps raise concerns if you believe a domain name is not being used properly.

The goal of the complaints process is to make sure all complaints are handled fairly and quickly. It helps build trust in the .au domain space. It also helps improve how the .au domain space is managed over time and reduces the chances of small complaints turning into major disputes.

What You Can Complain About

To register a .au direct domain, you have to first check the availability of the domain. If you find any discrepancies, you can file a complaint with auDA.

You can make a complaint about:

• A .au domain name licence if the registrant doesn’t meet the eligibility or allocation rules.
• The actions of a registrar if you believe they’ve not followed their responsibilities under the auDA Licensing Rules.

What you can’t complain about through this process:

• Intellectual property disputes are handled through the au Dispute Resolution Policy, or auDRP.
• For website content, hosting, or consumer complaints, refer to the relevant service provider or government body for a complaint.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Submit a .au Direct Domain Complaint

The process to file a complaint for domain name disputes is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a complaint:

Step 1: Lodge a Complaint with the Registrar

Your first step is always to contact the registrar of record, the provider that registered the domain name. Even if the domain was bought through a reseller, the registrar of record handles complaints.

Once you file your complaint, the registrar has 30 calendar days to resolve it. If more time is needed, they must let you know.

They will then send you an email with their decision and the reasons behind it.

You have the right to request a review if you’re not satisfied.

Step 2: Request a Review from auDA

If you’ve tried resolving the matter with the registrar and aren’t happy with all the avenues, you can submit a complaint with auDA.

Here’s how the timeline works:

If the domain was cancelled, you have five calendar days to request a review.

For all other matters, you have 28 calendar days from the date of the decision by the registrar.

auDA will look into your request and respond within 28 calendar days. They can either:

• Affirm the registrar’s decision
• Revoke it
• Send it back to the registrar for review

They will send their decision to you via email.

Step 3: Internal Review of auDA’s Decision

If you are not satisfied with auDA’s decision, you can ask them for an internal review.

This request must be made within 48 hours from the time auDa notified you about the decision.

The review will be handled by a senior auDA staff member who wasn’t involved in the earlier decision. They may:

• Affirm the previous decision,
• Change it, or
• Cancel it

You’ll receive an email with the result of this internal review.

Step 4: External Review by the Licence Review Panel

If you are still unsatisfied with the decision, you can go for an external review by the Licence Review Panel. This panel is independent and doesn’t include any auDA staff or registrars.

To apply, you must:

• Submit your request through the general enquiries form within 10 calendar days of the internal review decision.
• Pay a fee: AUD $1,100 (incl. GST) for 1–5 domain names, plus AUD $165 for each additional domain.

Your case will be assigned to a panel member and reviewed based on submitted materials.

The panel must provide a decision within 10 calendar days and state the reasons in writing. They may:

Agree with auDA:

• Set aside the decision
• Make a new decision
• Send it back to auDA for reconsideration

Legal Action

You are free to take legal action under Australian law. However, once you start legal proceedings, you can’t continue with a complaint under the auDA Licensing Rules.

This means:

• You can’t file a complaint for the same issue again.
• Any ongoing auDA complaints process will stop.
• You can’t reopen a complaint.

Conclusion

The .au domain complaints process is designed to be clear, fair, and accessible for everyone. Each stage has specific timelines and requirements, so it’s important to act quickly and provide the correct information.

Crazy Domains offers a seamless process to check .au domain availability, register it,  and create an engaging website. Talk to our experts for ongoing support and personalised solutions.