115/07
Wednesday 22 August 2007

Protecting consumers from unwanted telemarketing calls with the Do Not Call Register

The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan said today that the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s decision to formally investigate a breach of the Do Not Call Register was a victory for consumers.

“Since the launch of the Do Not Call Register in May, Australians have signed up for the service in droves with over 1.6 million numbers now on the list.

“The Government launched the program so that Australian families could re-claim their evenings as their own, to once again enjoy uninterrupted dinner times.

“It is illegal for telemarketers to call personal home or mobile phone numbers on the Do Not CallRegister without consent. Even if the call is being made from a foreign country it is illegal.”

Senator Coonan said although most direct marketing organisations have gone to great lengths to accommodate the Do Not Call Register and comply with the conditions, ACMA has written to 420 organisations which have been the subject of complaints warning them of the penalties.

“A formal investigation by ACMA demonstrates that we will be tough on any organisation found to be in breach of the Do Not Call Register scheme. ACMA will take further action where it is needed.

“That this is the first formal investigation undertaken by ACMA demonstrates that most direct marketing organisations are behaving responsibly.

“We established the Do Not Call Register because we listened to Australian consumers and we will keep monitoring the situation closely to ensure that the scheme is adhered to.

“I am confident that the Do Not Call Register will continue to greatly reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and that consumers will be able to reclaim their evenings,” Senator Coonan said.

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 outlets.

Registrations are valid for three years, and people can withdraw their registration at any time. 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 Register complaints line, on 1300 792 958.

Media Contact: Katherine Meier 0417 441 141