The Do Not Call Register Bill 2006 and the Do Not Call Register (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2006 will facilitate a national register allowing individuals to opt-out from receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls.
According to ICT Minister Helen Coonan, the Bills are an important step towards maintaining Australians’ privacy:
‘This [Bill] gives those who dislike the intrusion and disruption caused by unsolicited telemarketing calls, peace of mind,’ Senator Coonan said.
However, Coonan said the proposed legislation would now allow small businesses to telemarket to other small businesses. Previously, only charity and religious organisations were exempt from the proposed register.
‘Businesses contact each other for a multitude of reasons in the course of day to day operations. The Government was concerned not to potentially expose organisations to fines and penalties for ordinary business-to-business contact.’
Much like the Spam Act 2003 (Cth), it must be doubted whether these instruments can have any effect upon extraterritorial sources of unsolicited commercial telephone calls — I suppose this means one’s dinners will continue to be interrupted by ‘special offers’ from another Bangalore call centre.
Originally by iTNews Australia – Government/Law, 12:06 PM
