An Australian Do Not Call register?

A discussion paper (pdf) canvassing options for a national, legislated Do Not Call register was released today by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan.

A Do Not Call register would give consumers the right to ‘opt-out’ of telemarketing approaches at any time.

Under the possible model, individuals and small businesses (those employing 20 or less people) would be able to register to ‘opt out’ of receiving unsolicited phone calls except for calls from a limited number of exempt organisations in limited circumstances.

Companies making calls would be required to maintain lists of numbers they are prohibited from contacting and to update these regularly. Companies that contravene the register provisions could be fined.

To enable registration processes to be completed and telemarketers sufficient time to update their do not call lists, it would be necessary to allow a certain time limit to lapse from the receipt of an application to listing of a telephone number on a do not call register. A period of 30 days is proposed.

There would be no time limit on how long numbers remain on a register. Once people indicate they do not wish to receive telemarketing calls it would be assumed that unless they request removal of their numbers from the register, they continue to wish not to receive telemarketing solicitations.
Consumers would be able to list any numbers issued in their names on a do not call register. They would also be able to register phone numbers on behalf of minors and be authorised, in writing, to register numbers on behalf of other persons.

It is proposed that an Australian do not call register would not apply to direct marketing approaches by facsimile transmission.

In addition certain minimum national “contact” standards would be imposed on the telemarketing industry and exempt organisations.

Submissions are due by close of business Wednesday 30 November 2005.

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