Hi Kim,

I disagree. Most businesses operate under industry agreements, even though
these may be labelled under a variety of different titles. A MoU (memorandum
of understanding), CoEBP (code of ethical business practice) and others
depending on the industries governing bodies.

The point being, most Australian industries set standards for participation,
usually publicised and promoted by some form of accreditation (CPA et-all).

If "we" have allowed businesses to transact on the .au namespace without
first stipulating an appropriate code of conduct (as most industries do),
then it is "us" who are at fault. You can hardly accuse a company of
potentially breaching a code of conduct, if no such code exists.

Suggesting that the only means of recourse is a big-stick approach after the
event (ACCC intervention), not only acknowledges the current management
failings within the industry, but also actively encourages industry
participants to "push the boundaries". Far better if companies are
accredited (or not) based on their acceptance of a common code of conduct
prior to acceptance as an industry participant.

Rgds, Don