Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SENATE
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Community consultation on Do Not Call Register
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed discussion on expanding the Do Not Call Register.
"The Do Not Call Register has proved extremely popular. However, the Government is aware that there is some community demand to allow the registration of fax numbers and the telephone numbers used by organisations, such as small businesses," Senator Conroy said.
"At present telephone numbers used primarily for business/public use, emergency service numbers and fax numbers may not be listed on the Do Not Call Register."
Senator Conroy said a Departmental discussion paper sets out expansion options for the Do Not Call Register.
"The discussion paper seeks community views on whether the eligibility requirements should be expanded to allow the registration of all telephone and fax numbers on the Do Not Call Register," Senator Conroy said.
The proposed changes effectively extend the protections provided by the Do Not Call Register to businesses, other organisations and fax users. Views are being sought on whether these potential changes could enhance the operation of the Do Not Call Register while taking into account the needs of the telemarketing and fax marketing industries.
The discussion paper also aims to test more modest approaches, such as whether small businesses should be eligible to register their telephone and fax numbers.
"I would encourage all interested stakeholders to participate in this consultation so a range of views can be taken into account," Senator Conroy said.
Interested parties are invited to provide written submissions commenting on the issues raised in the discussion paper by 12 September 2008. Community input will contribute to further consideration by the Government.
Further information and the discussion paper is available at: www.dbcde.gov.au/donotcall
ends
Date: 15 August 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457