Government moves (slowly) on Do Not Call

One solution to flood of telemarketing calls to those people who don't want em is the establishment of a Do Not Call database. The idea is simple: an online database of phone numbers of people who have requested to not be called. The devil is in the detail, and that's what has kept it in the too-hard-basket for so long. Over the weekend, though, the government made a move on the issue:

30 October 2005

A solution for nuisance calls: Options for an Australian Do Not Call register
A discussion paper 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.

“Australian consumers are increasingly frustrated by interruptions from telemarketers, particularly unsolicited calls that come from call centres overseas,” the Minister said.

“But in formulating a way to cut down on unsolicited calls there are a number of important issues to consider including how bodies such as charities and legitimate market researchers can continue to operate.

“The discussion paper I am releasing today is a vital step in formulating how a national, legislated Do Not Call register would work in Australia.”

Check out the discussion paper, which can be downloaded here.