Complaints: Review of an auDA decision

A review of an auDA decision is the third tier of auDA's complaints process.

Once auDA has made a decision on a review of a registrar's decision (the second tier of the complaints process) you have the right to request an internal review of that decision.

This is a review process that looks at the merits of a particular case and also operates as a useful quality control mechanism.

The review will be conducted by a person who:

1. was not involved in making the decision which is being reviewed; and
2. occupies a position in .au Domain Administration which is senior to the Person who made the decision which is the subject of review.

The person conducting the review is known as The Review Officer.

Applying for a review of a .au Domain Administration Decision

Where auDA has taken a decision to cancel a domain name, a request for a review of  auDA's decsion must be lodged within 48 hours of receiving notification of the decision. For all other matters, an application must be submitted within 28 days of being notified of auDA's decision.

Applications must be submitted via auDA's complaints form and include:

1. the name and contact details of the Person seeking the review;
2. the original complaint as submitted to .au Domain Administration;
3. the written decision of .au Domain Administration;
4. any correspondence from .au Domain Administration or the Registrar
   regarding the suspension or cancellation of a licence (if applicable);
5. the written reasons for that decision as made by .au Domain Administration;
6. the Person’s reasons for making the application; and
7. the remedies which the Person is seeking.

Once submitted, auDA must acknowledge it has received the complaint within one business day, and advise you of a date by which the review will be completed. If the application is valid auDA will then place on hold any actions taken as a result of the review of the registrar decision.

auDA may reject an application for an internal review that is frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith.

Outcome of the review

As a result of the review, The Review Officer may:

• affirm auDA's decision
• revoke auDA's decision; or
• vary auDA's decision.

The Review Officer must notify the Person in writing the outcome of their review, reasons and the right to seek an external review of the decision by .au Domain Administration (tier 4 of the complaints process).