Timeline
The Do Not Call Register Act 2006 (Cth) bans unsolicited telemarketing calls and marketing faxes to registered Australian numbers, allowing opt-out via a free national database. Passed with its consequential amendments bill, it commenced 30 June 2007 (Royal Assent 12 Dec 2006), enforced by the ACMA with civil penalties up to $250k.
Amendments and Updates
Minimal primary amendments; focus on regulations and standards for exemptions/enforcement.
| Year | Change | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Telecommunications (Do Not Call Register) (Telemarketing and Research Calls) Industry Standard 2007 | Minimum standards for telemarketers; exemptions (e.g., prior consent, research). |
| 2017 | Do Not Call Register Regulations 2017 | Remakes 2006 regs; exempts fault rectification, rescheduling/reminders, payments, solicited calls; aligns drafting. |
| 2021 | Telecommunications (Fax Marketing) Industry Standard 2021 | Updates fax marketing rules under Teleco Act Part 6. |
| 2021 | Compilation No. 16 (1 Sep 2021) | Includes Act No. 13, 2021; minor updates. |
No substantive amendments post-2017; stable framework with ~8.5M numbers registered (2013 data, ongoing growth).
Timeline
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Dec 2006: Royal Assent; establishes register, prohibitions, ACMA oversight.
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30 Jun 2007: Full commencement; 3-year registration (renewable).
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2007: Industry Standard issued; exemptions for charities, politics, govt.
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2017: Regs remade; exemptions expanded (e.g., appointment reminders).
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2021: Fax standard; latest compilation.
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Ongoing: ACMA investigates complaints; infringement notices/enforceable undertakings.
Related Legislation
Integrates with spam/marketing laws.
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Spam Act 2003: Electronic messaging (email/SMS); ACMA overlap.
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Telecommunications Act 1997: Parts 6 (codes/standards), 26 (investigations), 27 (powers), 31A (undertakings); fax/telemarketing rules.
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Privacy Act 1988: Data handling in marketing lists.
The Act effectively reduces intrusions via self-regulation and enforcement, with regs adapting to practical needs.