Do not call register to apply to all numbers

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 12 May 2009 16:37

IT Industry - Strategy

The Federal Budget has allocated $4.7m to expand the Do Not Call Register to apply to business numbers, fax numbers and numbers used by emergency service providers.

Communications minister, Stephen 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."

At present, the Register does not allow the registration of telephone numbers used primarily for business, emergency service numbers and fax numbers. Conroy said: “Community consultation indicated that these telephone and fax users want protection from unsolicited commercial telemarketing and fax marketing representations. 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.”
 
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.

Over two million Australian had registered their numbers in the first 18 months of operation of the register when, in August 2008, the Department issued a discussion paper canvassing extension ot business and fax numbers.