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The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, this week called for public comment on a discussion paper released as part of a review of the .au Internet domain arrangements.

“The current administrative arrangements for .au have been in place for more than five years. It is therefore appropriate for the Australian Government to undertake a broad examination of its existing structures,” Senator Coonan said.

“This discussion paper forms part of a review of the .au Internet domain, which I announced in August 2006. It will facilitate discussion on issues regarding the structural model for, and administration of, the .au Internet domain.

“The Australian Government is committed to ensuring that arrangements for the Australian Internet remain appropriate, internationally competitive and forward-looking, while continuing to deliver the maximum possible value to Australian business and the wider community,” Senator Coonan said.

A broad range of issues will be considered, including the administrative structure of the .au Internet domain, naming structures, policy development and enforcement mechanisms such as competitiveness and cost effectiveness, international participation and emerging technical issues.

Industry bodies and members of the public are invited to make submissions to the .au Internet domain review by close of business on Tuesday 28 November 2006.

Information gathered in the course of the review will be used to ensure the needs of industry stakeholders and the wider Internet community continue to be met and will assist the Government in assessing whether any refinements to the current .au operating environment are required.

The Australian Government has played a significant role in the establishment and endorsement of Australia’s current industry self-regulatory regime and retains reserve powers relating to the administration of the .au domain.

Copies of the discussion paper are available at http://www.dcita.gov.au/communications_for_business/news_and_events/review_of_the_structure_and_operation_of_the_.au_internet_domain or by phoning 02 6271 7036.

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