I haven't really been following this thread, however the report sounds like
just another step in the process to abolish the usefulness of the .com.au
extension entirely.

Over the past six months the number of my customers requesting .com instead
of .com.au domain names has risen from about 10% (six months ago) to more
than 50% today. Most claim the .com has far better market penetration and
acceptance nowadays. Maybe the .com.au dinosaur has finally reached its
evolutionary life and killing it with bureaucracy is the kind thing to do?

Cheers, Don