James Riley
Sunday, 28 February 2010 21:24
IT Policy -
Regulation
Page 1 of 2
The extension of the Do Not Call register to include businesses will lead directly to job losses and cost Australian companies millions in additional compliance costs, Coalitions Senators have warned in dissenting comments to a Senate committee report on the proposed changes.
Communications committee deputy chair Senator Mary Jo Fisher said the long-running inquiry into the extension of the Do Not Call register had heard no compelling evidence that businesses would be aided by the registers extension.
Further, Senator Fisher complained the submissions to the inquiry were now nearly two years old, and did not represent either current or adequate consultation about the Bill.
The Do Not Call Legislation Amendment Bill 2009 would allow all Australian telephone and fax numbers to be listed on the register – including business numbers – with ramifications for business to business contact.
"The Government says this bill is for business benefit, but can't offer any proof that business will benefit," Senator Fisher said.
"The Minister can't substantiate how many businesses will benefit by signing up to an extended register or how many – and how often – businesses will be burdened by additional compliance costs and red tape," she said.
