7.5 million Australians on the Do Not Call Register

5^th birthday and 7.5 million numbers and counting

Do Not Call Register reaches new milestone

Today marks the fifth anniversary of the Do Not Call Register, which now has more than 7.5 million numbers registered, including half of Australia’s fixed line home numbers and over three million mobile numbers.

‘Many Australians are opting out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing and fax marketing,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘7.6 million registrations since 2007 is a ringing endorsement of the effectiveness of the Register.’

The ACMA has also implemented the recent decision by the Australian Government to extend the registration period to six years.

In 2011, more than 1.6 million new numbers were registered, a 15 per cent increase on the numbers registered in 2010. The new online service that allows government bodies to register high volumes of numbers at a time has also proved successful, with over 147,000 numbers registered to date.

The Do Not Call Register is a free service where you can list your private numbers (mobiles, landlines, faxes and VoIP) to opt out of receiving most unsolicited telemarketing calls or marketing faxes. Limited exemptions allow some public interest organisations, such as charities, to contact numbers on the register. Numbers may also be contacted where there is consent from the consumer.

According to ACMA research in 2011, 88% of those on the register reported a significant reduction in unsolicited telemarketing calls. People on the register who are still getting calls can make a complaint to the ACMA. People can register or re-register their numbers any time at www.donotcall.gov.au or calling 1300 792 958.

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact: Blake Murdoch, on (02) 9334 7817, 0411 504 687 or media@acma.gov.au.

Source - ACMA www.acma.gov.au

If members require assistance with compliance with these laws, please contact me www.realestateexcellence.com.uau