Australians List 2.3 Million Telephone Numbers on the Do Not Call Register

Australians have listed more than 2.3 million telephone numbers on the Do Not Call Register since its launch one year ago. The register, which is overseen by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, was established in May 2007 under the Do Not Call Register Act 2006. It makes it illegal for most kinds of telemarketing calls to be made to domestic and private fixed line and mobile telephone numbers listed on the register in the absence of consent.

ACMAÃ's Chairman Chris Chapman said that a recent ACMA-commissioned survey showed the register is being well received by consumers and delivering results.

"Nearly 90 per cent of those surveyed who had listed their numbers on the register reported a drop in the number of telemarketing calls they received," Mr Chapman said.

The survey also revealed overwhelming community support for the register with more than 90 per cent of respondents agreeing that it was a useful initiative.

Mr Chapman added that industry had responded well to the register and the new accompanying national industry standard that directs when and how telemarketers and researchers can contact individuals.

"ACMA is committed to holding businesses accountable for the actions of call centres they engage to make calls on their behalf," he said. "Where a business or contracted call centre has illegally called numbers on the register, ACMA will take appropriate enforcement action."

Mr Chapman said ACMA had commenced 18 formal investigations in the last 12 months. Two have been finalised, both finding the businesses involved had not complied with the Do Not Call Register Act. ACMA found that offshore call centres engaged by the businesses had made telemarketing calls to consumers on the register.

"This low number of investigations in one year shows the industry has done a great job in amending their business practices and doing it responsibly."

Under the Do Not Call Register Act, telemarketers are able to submit their calling lists to the register operator for checking against the register. This process of ‘washingÃ' lists assists telemarketers to comply with the Act. In the last year, the industry has washed more than 770 million telephone numbers against the register.

Posted to the site on 30th May 2008