A domain name is simply an address on the internet which people use to find resources online. For example, saabteece.com.au is the domain name for our website.
 
In August 2021 the .au Domain Administration (auDA), the body that develops and administers the rules for domain names in our region (ie. .au country code) amended the rules to create a new category of domain name. This means all current domain names in Australia can be registered to end in .au (rather than .com.au or .net.au etc), making it shorter and easier to remember.
 
If you (or your business) currently hold a domain name and would like to register your current domain name with .au, you have until 20 September 2022 to apply for priority status. If you do not apply for priority status by 20 September 2022 your domain name ending with .au will become available for registration by the general public.
 
It is feared that post 20 September 2022, this new category (.au) creates an avenue for cyber squatters and competitors to register your domain name and hold it to ransom.
 
If you have an existing .com.au or .net.au domain, it makes sense to obtain the .au domain.

For more information visit the auDA website or for details on The Priority Allocation Process.