Is your .com.au website suddenly offline …. but you’re sure you paid your bills and didn’t get hacked?

You might be caught up in the latest crackdown on Australian domain name rules. If your .com.au domain ABN doesn’t match your current business details, your site could be at risk of suspension by auDA …. and it can happen without warning.

Let’s unpack what’s going on, why it’s happening, and how to protect your online presence before it’s too late.

The Unexpected Way Your Website Can Disappear Overnight

Meet Paula.

I build the Isa Psychology practice website almost 10 years ago, and worked with Paula when she bought and rebranded the business around 7 years back. Everything had been ticking along smoothly since, I got the odd call here or there to help with any issues.

Until earlier this week… her site vanished.

No error messages. No email access. No notifications. Just – offline.

She wasn’t hacked. She wasn’t overdue on payments. Hosting was up-to-date.

What happened?

After some digging, the cause became clear: her domain name had been placed on “clientHold” status by auDA due to an outdated ABN.

Her situation isn’t unique – and if you have an older Australian domain, your site might be vulnerable too.

What Actually Happened? The New Crackdown on ABNs and Domain Names

Let’s break down the situation that caught Paula – and many other business owners – off guard.

Paula had owned her domain name for over 7 years, though initially it was purchased and set up under the original business owner’s ABN. Each year, her hosting provider auto-renewed her subscription, and the business details stayed the same.

Without warning, her website crashed, and her business emails, tied to that domain, stopped functioning. Paula was left unable to send or receive emails, crippling her business operations.

Fixing this issue wasn’t easy. We had to contact support, and they brought in Auda, which made things even more complicated. But you can avoid going through the same headache Paula did by being proactive.

Who Is auDA, and Why Do They Matter?

auDA (the .au Domain Administration) is the governing body that manages and enforces the rules for all Australian domain names – including .au, .com.au, and .net.au domains.

Recently, auDA has ramped up enforcement of one key rule: Your domain registration must include a valid and accurate ABN that matches your business identity.

What Is “ClientHold” Status?

When auDA detects that a domain name’s registrant information no longer complies with its eligibility rules, it can place that domain on clientHold.

This status:

• Instantly suspends your domain from functioning
• Disables all associated services like your website and email
• Prevents visitors and clients from accessing your site

And the worst part? There’s often no warning before this happens.

📄 Official auDA policy: View the full policy here

Why You Need a Valid, Matching ABN for .com.au Domains

To hold a .com.au domain, your business must meet specific eligibility requirements. These aren’t optional – and auDA actively audits compliance.

Here’s what you must have:

• A valid ABN (Australian Business Number) or ACN (Australian Company Number)
• Your ABN must match the name or entity that registered the domain
• Your domain name must have a “close and substantial connection” to your business name or trademark

Legal Insight: According to SprintLaw, failing to meet these requirements can result in the loss or cancellation of your domain, regardless of how long you’ve owned it.

The Risks of Having Incorrect ABN Info

You might think: “It’s just a number, right? I’m still the same business!”

Unfortunately, even small inconsistencies can lead to big problems. Here’s what’s at stake:

• 🚫 Instant suspension of your website and email services
• 📉 Lost sales, missed inquiries, and broken trust with clients
• 🔒 Loss of your domain name if someone else registers it while it’s down
• 🧾 Legal complications if a competing business challenges your domain ownership
• 🧍‍♂️ Frustration and confusion from customers trying to reach you

How to Check if Your Domain Info is Correct

It’s easy to run a quick audit on your domain name – here’s how:

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit the auDA WHOIS tool: https://whois.auda.org.au
2. Enter your domain name (e.g. yourbusiness.com.au)
3. Review these fields:
   • Registrant name
   • ABN or ACN listed
   • Registrant ID and eligibility type
   • Email address on record

Bonus Tip:

Check the ABN listed using the ABN Lookup tool:
https://abr.business.gov.au

Ensure the ABN is:

• Active
• Matches your current legal/trading name
• Properly linked to your domain name’s registrant

How We’re Helping Clients Fix It (And How We Can Help You Too)

This isn’t just theory – we’re actively helping clients stay compliant and secure.

• We now audit all domain registrations, even if we didn’t build your site
• We assist with updating your ABN info inside your domain registrar’s dashboard
• We offer a free website health check – no strings attached

What to Do If Your Domain is Suspended

If you’ve already been caught out – don’t panic. You should be able to get your site back, usually within 24-48 hours.

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. Contact your domain registrar (e.g. GoDaddy, SiteGround, Crazy Domains)
2. Provide your correct ABN/ACN details
3. Ask them to lodge an update request with auDA
4. Monitor your email – once verified, auDA should lift the hold and restore your domain

Helpful Resources and Official Links

• WHOIS Lookup Tool [https://whois.auda.org.au]
• ABN Lookup [https://abr.business.gov.au]
• AuDA Blog [https://www.auda.org.au/registrar-resources/registrar-compliance/]
• Business.gov.au [Registering a domain name]

FAQs

1. What is an ABN domain mismatch?

An ABN domain mismatch happens when the ABN listed on your .com.au registration doesn’t match your current business name or structure.

2. How do I fix my ABN for my domain?

Log in to your domain registrar’s dashboard and update your ABN under registrant details. If you’re unsure, contact support or your web agency.

3. Why is my .com.au domain suspended?

Most likely due to an outdated or incorrect ABN that no longer satisfies auDA eligibility requirements.

4. How can I avoid losing my Australian domain name?

Ensure your domain registration details — including ABN and business name — are always up to date and valid.

5. What is “clientHold” and what does it do?

ClientHold is a status applied by auDA that immediately disables all services tied to your domain, including websites and email.

6. Can someone else take my domain if it gets suspended?

If your domain remains non-compliant and expires, yes — another entity may register it. Stay proactive.

Conclusion

Keeping your domain alive and compliant isn’t just about renewal fees – it’s about having the right legal and business identity behind your digital name.

Worried your domain might be at risk?
We’ll check it for you – just send us your domain name. If anything’s off, we’ll sort it before you lose your site or email access.