Domain names policy

Document type:

Policy

Version:

Final v4.0.0

Status:

CurrentMandated

Effective:

October 2025–current

Security classification:

OFFICIAL-Public

Category:

Digital capability

Purpose

This Queensland Government Enterprise Architecture (QGEA) policy outlines the requirements for Queensland Government agencies in the registration and management of domain names for agency internet resources.

Policy statement

To manage its online presence, Queensland Government will manage domain names in line with the requirements of this policy and the associated standard.

Policy benefits

A consistent whole-of-government approach to domain naming conventions and effective domain name management will:

• enhance government communication and facilitate navigation of government websites
• promote the authenticity and authority of government websites and will improve the accessibility of government information and services
• enable the provision of IT systems and support services across government agencies, such as information systems to customer facing staff and payroll/HR systems/email.

Applicability

This policy applies to all Queensland Government agencies. Statutory authorities and local government entities are eligible to register a qld.gov.au domain name if they desire but are not required to do so. If they do wish to register a government domain, they are required to adhere to this policy.

Scope

This policy applies to registration and management of all ‘qld.gov.au’ domains for internal (government only) and external use (public), for any purpose, i.e. website access, applications and systems.

Note that this policy does not apply to registration and use of ‘qld.edu.au’ by educational institutions.

This policy must also operate under policies that apply to relevant higher-level domains. For example, gov.au; .com.au; .edu.au. Refer to the Australian Government domain name policy for the registration and management of ‘qld.gov.au’ domains.

Policy requirements

1. Agencies must read, understand and comply with all policy conditions applying to gov.au.
2. Registration of domain names by agencies will be in accordance with the Domain name registration and management standard.
3. Agencies must manage the impact on domain names after a machinery-of-government change and arrange transfer of ownership within 3 months.

Implementation

This policy comes into effect from the issue date. The policy requirements are supported by the Domain name registration and management standard.

Issue and approval

Issue date: October 2025

This QGEA policy is published within the QGEA and administered by the Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business.