The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced it is setting up a Do Not Call Register to protect individuals from unsolicited telemarketing phone calls. The Register will allow people to opt out of receiving such calls. There will be no cost for submitting a telephone number to the Register.

The Register is expected to be up and running in 2007. ACMA is currently drafting an implementation plan for its introduction.

ACMA is also setting minimum national contact standards to regulate telemarketing calls. These standards will cover permitted calling hours, minimum information requirements and termination of calls.

The standards will apply to all telemarketers, including organisations that are exempted from the Do Not Call Register arrangements.