"This legislation responds directly to the increasing level of community concern about the exponential growth in unsolicited telemarketing calls," Senator Coonan said.
"The Government will now begin setting up the Do Not Call Register which will allow individuals to register both their home and mobile number. It will then become illegal for telemarketers in both Australia and overseas to contact the numbers."
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) will establish and oversee the operation of the Do Not Call Register, and is likely to commence a tender process shortly.
"Based on overseas experience, we expect there will be a high level of demand from individuals who wish to place their numbers on the Register -- as many as one million numbers are expected to be registered in the first week alone," Senator Coonan said.
"So it is important that we get the detailed operational arrangements right to make sure that a workable Register is developed."
"I have asked ACMA to continue to consult with relevant stakeholders to ensure the legislation is implemented appropriately, and I look forward to being able to announce the start of the Register in early 2007."
"The Do Not Call Register will give peace and mind to those who don't like, and indeed resent, the intrusion and disruption caused by unsolicited telemarketing calls."
ACMA will be responsible for implementing the Do Not Call Register scheme, including the setting of national telemarketing standards on issues such as permitted calling hours and the provision of certain information by telemarketers. These standards will apply to all telemarketers.
"This legislation means for the first time that individuals have a single contact point to help address unwanted telemarketing calls, and ACMA can issue formal warnings, infringement notices or even start court proceedings if telemarketing standards are breached," Senator Coonan said.
There will be no cost for an individual to place their number on the Register, and it will be possible for fixed line and mobile numbers to be placed on the Register.
