The Government has released a Discussion Paper reviewing the Do Not Call Register Act which allows Australians to opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial marketing (telemarketing) calls by listing their fixed line and mobile telephone numbers used primarily for private or domestic purposes.

The Discussion Paper does not deal with the Government's announced intention to expand the Register to include business numbers.

It invites comments on the operation of the Register and key elements of the legislation and discussion of options including :

• the opt-out mechanism
• the definition of consent
• the length of the registration period
• exemptions
• research calls

The closing date for submissions is 4 November 2009.