The domain name system (DNS) underpins the operation of the
internet. The DNS is the global database that translates human-
readable domain names (such as www.dbcde.gov.au) into computer-
readable internet protocol (IP) addresses. The Department
participates in a number of international and domestic bodies
that have a role in the administration of the DNS: The Internet
Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the
organisation responsible for coordinating the DNS at a global
level. Amongst other things, ICANN: - decides whether to
introduce new top-level domains or to re-allocate or withdraw
existing top-level domains. - manages the global pool of IP
addresses. Governments participate in ICANN through the
Governmental Advisory Committee (GAC), which provides advice to
ICANN on public policy issues. Australia has been an active
member of the GAC since its inception in 1999. The .au Domain
Administration Ltd (auDA) is the independent, not-for-profit
organisation responsible for managing the Australian