| Do-not-call register for individuals and SMEs |
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| by Stuart Corner | |
| Tuesday, 04 April 2006 | |
  
See also Do-Not-Call register discussion paper released Communications minister, Helen Coonan has announced plans to set up a national, legislated Do-Not Call register to protect consumers and small businesses from nuisance telemarketing phone calls: a move that has the potential to destroy the telemarketing industry. Both the US and the UK have similar registers, and in the US around 80 percent of adults have added their names to the register.The register will cost some $33 million to set up. The Government will contribute $17.2 million with the remainder of the costs to be met by industry. "The Government will introduce legislation as soon as possible to establish the Register and create minimum standards for the behaviour of telemarketers,” Senator Coonan said. The legislation will also establish national minimum contact standards for telemarketers. The register will apply to all telemarketers operating in Australia, as well as those overseas telemarketers who represent Australian companies. It will also include a range of enforcement options, including warnings, fines, formal directions and financial penalties. The standards will cover permitted calling hours, minimum information requirements and termination of calls. The standards will apply to all telemarketers, including specified public interest bodies who will be exempted from the Do Not Call Register arrangements. Coonan said: "a limited range of exemptions will apply, for example, to charity groups and people undertaking social research. Exemptions will also apply to companies with an existing business relationship with an individual, for example with existing accounts or contracts.” Ongoing costs will be met by fees levied on telemarketers: individuals and small businesses will not be required to pay a fee for registering their telephone numbers. The register is expected to be up and running in 2007. The Government has not indicated when more detailed information on its provisions will be available. Announcement of plans for the register follow release of a discussion paper by the minister in Octoer2005. |
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