161/04
1 December 2004

Minister Backs New Software to Crack Down on Spam

The latest reporting software from the Australian Communications Authority (ACA) and Internet service provider Pacific Internet may be the next weapon in our fight against the scourge of spam, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan said today.

The Minister congratulated the ACA and Pacific Internet on their trial of the streamlined spam reporting software, SpamMATTERS.

The trial will allow Pacific Internet customers to quickly and easily report spam to the ACA using SpamMATTERS software.

The reporting software will link in with the ACA forensics database, providing both an aggregate view of spam received in Australia and records of individual offences suitable for further investigation and enforcement action.

"Ultimately, the best hope for dealing with spam lies in a combination of public awareness and action, legal enforcement and technical countermeasures," Senator Coonan said.

"The trial of this software reinforces this strategy and I commend the ACA and Pacific Internet for undertaking this initiative."

" Australia has a number of advantages in the fight against spam-our Spam Act is regarded as the world's best anti-spam legislation and Australia has been a key player in international anti-spam efforts.

"The ACA's effective enforcement of the Spam Act depends on clear and accurate information about the nature and source of spam received by Australian consumers.

"The trial of this reporting software is a positive contribution towards successful enforcement of the legislation by the ACA.

"It will help provide a comprehensive view of the spam problem in Australia, and will be invaluable in gathering evidence of particular breaches of the Spam Act."

The software trialled by the ACA and Pacific Internet will augment the ACA's existing channels for reporting spam, available at www.aca.gov.au.

Media Contact:   Jane McMillan   0438 690 305
www.minister.dcita.gov.au