Registration is now open for the Government’s Do Not Call Register, which is aimed to reduce unsolicited phone calls in Australia.
The register was officially launched today by Minister for Communications, IT and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan.
“From today, Australians can register their personal home and mobile numbers, making it illegal for telemarketers to call these numbers after 31 May.
“Even if the call is being made from a foreign country, if the call is made on behalf of an Australian company, it will be illegal,” she said.
Unfortunately it is not a complete end to telemarketing calls as, according to Coonan, “a very limited amount of calls will be allowed, including those from charities and market research companies.”
Registration is free and can be done by completing a form online at www.donotcall.gov.au. Telephone-based registrations will be available later this month and forms will also be available through Australia Post Offices from mid-May.
Registrations are valid for three years, and you can withdraw your registration at any time if you start missing those unsolicited calls.
The ACMA advises that if you receive telemarketing calls more than a month after registering on the Do Not Call Register, you can lodge a complaint online at www.donotcall.gov.au or through the Do Not Call complaints line, on 1300 792 958.
