URGH! ..
The error was that in the /etc/named.conf file I had :
zone "newdomain.com.au. "{
        type master;
        file "newdomain.com.au";
        allow-update {
                123.123.123.123;
                };
        notify yes;
};
NOTE: There is space after the au. on the first line that screws everything
:)
Just thought i'd let y'all know.
- Brian.