Media Release

Budget 2009: Proposed expansion of the Do Not Call Register

The proposed expansion of the Do Not Call Register detailed in the Budget will help protect businesses, fax users and emergency service providers, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said tonight.

"The Australian Government will provide funding of $4.7 million over four years to widen the scope of the Register to include all telephone and fax numbers, including the numbers used by businesses and emergency service operators," Senator Conroy said.

"Of this amount, approximately $3.5 million over four years will be recovered from the telemarketing and fax marketing industries through fees paid to access the Register, to cover the direct operational costs of the expanded Register. This is consistent with the Government's election commitment that industry will bear the full direct costs of the Register."

At present, the Register does not allow the registration of telephone numbers used primarily for business, emergency service numbers and fax numbers. The proposed expansion will allow all telephone and fax users, including businesses and emergency service providers, to receive the protections offered by the Register.

"Community consultation indicated that these telephone and fax users want protection from unsolicited commercial telemarketing and fax marketing representations," Senator Conroy said.

"I have also received a number of requests directly from the public on this matter. It was particularly concerning to me that these unwanted calls and faxes are wasting business resources and adversely affecting the operation of emergency services.

"This is why the Government has decided to expand the Register. The changes announced tonight respond to the productivity and privacy concerns of those previously excluded from the Register. These will require legislative amendment and will make allowance for legitimate business-to-business telephone activity."

It is expected that the introduction of the Bill to amend the Do Not Call Register Act 2006 will follow consultation with industry later this year.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority is responsible for the operation and enforcement of the Register. If registered telephone account holders receive an unsolicited telemarketing call that they believe is in breach of the legislation, they can lodge a complaint online at www.donotcall.gov.au or by phoning 1300 792 958.

More information about the Register is also available at www.dbcde.gov.au/donotcall

ends

Date: 12 May 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457