|
Quick Links
Statistics
Total entries in this blog:
Total entries in this category: Published On: Aug 03, 2007 10:44 AM |
Do not call billHow often do you get those annoying calls
where you answer the phone and after a few seconds delay some does (not) try to
sell you something?
The poetically named Do Not Call Register
Bill 2006 was introduced into Commonwealth Parliament last
week.
To quote from the EM: The Bill provides for the establishment of a Do Not Call Register. The Register would be kept by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) or outsourced to a third party who would operate the Register on behalf of the ACMA. It provides a system whereby individuals can register their home and mobile numbers on the Register. Telemarketers who wish to make telemarketing calls will in effect be required to check their calling lists against the numbers registered on the Do Not Call Register to ensure that they do not contact numbers of individuals who have opted out of receiving telemarketing calls. The details relating to the operation and administration of the Register will be provided for by a determination made by the ACMA. Complaints relating to the Do Not Call Register and breaches of the Bill can be made to the ACMA. Now, of course, this is an excellent development; but most of those call seem to come from some far off different place outside Australia. No worries, cl 9 of the Bill says that the Act extends to acts, omissions, matters and things outside Australia (unless the contrary intention appears). Fortunately, cl 13(9) seems to me to say that the person who commissions the telemarketer to harass you will be taken to have caused the telemarketing call to have been made. I guess that means you have to listen long enough to find out who is (not) offering to sell you something! However, you seem to have to complain to someone called ACMA which may, or may not, institute proceedings for a civil penalty (cl. 24). Victims may seek compensation for any loss and damage suffered if the Federal Court, of the Federal Magistrates Court, finds that a person (the PERPETRATOR) has contravened a civil penalty provision: cl. 30. I wonder what premium the court will place on sheer rage and frustration! (The scheme will not apply to stop calls from, amongst others, registered political parties.) The Bill is here; the EM here and the consequential amendments bill here. Posted: Saturday - May 27, 2006 at 01:39 PM | |