auDA has announced they will delay the launch of second-level registrations in .au until 2020. It was originally scheduled for Q4 of 2019. Here is their official announcement:

"While we had previously estimated direct registration and changes to the licensing rules would be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2019, it is critically important that the changes are widely understood, backed by an education program and supported by robust business processes throughout industry. It is also essential that these changes are implemented in a way that minimises imposts on business and avoids unintended consequences.

For these reasons, the auDA Board has this week decided to conduct an additional three-month long public consultation aimed at promoting awareness among new audiences, sharing more widely our plans to simplify the licence rules, and thoroughly understand and avoid any potential implementation issues. During this three-month period we will also take the opportunity to partner with industry to further test software changes, improve complaint processes and work with registrars to efficiently check the eligibility of applicants.

The outcome of this public consultation, together with a summary of technical and process improvements, will be considered by the auDA Board in late 2019 or early 2020, after new governance arrangements have been implemented and the reconstituted auDA Board is in place. This means that the launch of direct registration and changes to licensing rules are now likely to occur in the first half of 2020."

Lexsynergy is tracking this launch closely and will keep our clients updated on all .au launch plans. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].