74/07
Thursday 31 May 2007

Do Not Call Register hits the one million mark

More than one million telephone numbers have been listed on the Do Not Call Register which came into effect at midnight last night, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

“There is no doubting the popularity of the Do Not Call register,” Senator Coonan said.

“At 9am today, the total number of registrations was 1,012,813. The register has been taking more than 20,000 registrations per day.”

Senator Coonan also said that more than 44,500,000 numbers had been checked, or ‘washed’, against those listed on the register, following the start of the list washing service on 25 May. A total of 355 businesses have opened accounts with the register.

“The Do Not Call Register allows families to re-claim their evenings as their own, to once again enjoy uninterrupted dinner times by opting out of receiving telemarketing calls,” Senator Coonan said.

“At the same time, the Government recognises that there are many organisations and institutions, such as charities and social researchers that make unsolicited calls while performing a valuable community service.

“That is why we have made limited exemptions to protect the interests of these organisations and the important role they play in the community and in the broader public interest.

“Many responsible direct marketing organisations have gone to great lengths to accommodate the Do Not Call register and I congratulate them on their cooperation and goodwill during this period of change.

“I am confident that the Australian Government’s Do Not Call register will greatly reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and that consumers will be able to reclaim their evenings.

“There are three ways to list numbers on the Do Not Call Register - via the web at www.donotcall.gov.au, by phoning 1300 792 958 or by picking up a form from Australia Post.”

“It is absolutely free to register your number on the Do Not Call Register. The Government has paid for the establishment of the Register, with industry contributing to the running costs.

“Registrations are valid for three years, and people can withdraw their registration at any time.

“The Labor Party has deliberately tried to muddy the waters with consumers about the operation of the Do Not Call Register. This is not surprising as they have announced they will rip out all government funding support for the register if they get elected.

“Let me be very clear so that there can be no mistake – telemarketers are prohibited from calling consumers at any time on Sundays.

“Australian consumers know better and we now have over 1 million votes of confidence in the Do Not Call Register.”

If consumers receive telemarketing calls more than a month after registering on the Do Not Call Register, they can lodge a complaint online at www.donotcall.gov.au or through the Do Not Call complaints line, on 1300 792 958.

Media Contact: Fiona Telford 0439 003 191