Latest News > Media Release
27 January 2010
AANA recommends against Do Not Call Register Amendment Bill
In a submission to The Standing Committee on Environment, Communications and the Arts, the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA) urges the Government to reconsider plans to widen the eligibility requirements of the Do Not Call Register.
AANA considers that the current proposal, which advocates a range of extensions to the Do Not Call Register - from only allowing small business telephone and fax numbers to including all telephone and fax numbers, is not based on an adequate assessment of the potential impact on all businesses and organisations in Australia and thus the Australian economy.
“Business-to-business telephone contact is a fundamental business activity and the proposed changes could have the potential to interfere with normal commerce, hinder business growth, increase business costs and reduce profitability and innovation. A more comprehensive cost/benefit assessment for all business and organisations, including small, medium to large businesses, Not For Profits and Industry Associations, is required for this Bill,” said AANA CEO, Scott McClellan.
Furthermore, there needs to be more evidence indicating the likely level of businesses wishing to join the register.
“Without a significant number of businesses joining the register, it would be difficult to justify the compliance obligations on the vast majority of businesses,” said Mr McClellan.
AANA does, in-principle, support that some action be taken to address concerns relating to telemarketing calls to emergency services. However, there is need for a more vigorous and evidence-based exploration of other policy options to address any identified community and commercial sector concerns.
For further information: Scott McClellan, Chief Executive Officer, AANA, 02 9221 8088