RESIDENTS and small businesses will be able to block unsolicited telemarketing calls from their phones thanks to the setting up of a national do-not-call register.
Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the register, expected to begin operating in 2007, would apply to all telemarketers operating in Australia as well as overseas telemarketers with a link to Australia.
It would also include a range of enforcement options, including warnings, fines, formal directions and financial penalties.
Mr Hunt said he was pleased that his personal representations on behalf of local residents to the Federal Minister for Communications had been acted upon.
“The number of unsolicited calls is growing significantly and has led to rising community concerns about the inconvenience and intrusiveness of telemarketing,” Mr Hunt said.
“The register, open to individuals and small businesses, will enable people to opt out from receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls. Once a telephone number is registered, it will be prohibited for telemarketers to contact that number.”
Stop sign for telemarketers
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