Australian Communications and Media Authority investigations have found Teleus Pty Ltd, a telecommunications provider, and Flexi Marketing Solutions Pty Ltd, a promoter of holiday accommodation deals, made calls to numbers on the Do Not Call Register.

‘These investigations have identified two businesses that have missed the mark with their telemarketing,’ said Acting ACMA Chairman, Richard Bean.

‘It’s against the law, it’s a waste of time and money—and it’s a threat to your reputation telemarketing to consumers who don’t want to hear from you.’

The ACMA has accepted enforceable undertakings from the two companies for breaching the Do Not Call Register Act. The undertakings are enforceable in the Federal Court.

Teleus and Flexi Marketing have undertaken to ensure no calls are made to numbers on the Do Not Call Register and to keep comprehensive records of all telemarketing calls they, or their call centres, make. Flexi Marketing has also undertaken to include a term in all future contracts with call centres requiring that they comply with the Do Not Call Register Act.

Maintaining the Do Not Call register, and educating businesses and consumers about their rights and responsibilities, are important elements in the ACMA’s role in enabling the development of Australia’s digital economy.

‘Australia’s increasingly networked society is bringing enormous benefits, but it also brings some important responsibilities and obligations,’ Richard Bean added.

In response to consumer complaints, the ACMA has investigated more than 50 businesses since the Do Not Call Register Act commenced in 2007. As a result, the ACMA has given 26 formal warnings, accepted 24 enforceable undertakings and issued 13 infringement notices.

‘These actions show we mean business and that telemarketers should respect the rules and consumers’ expectations—or risk their own business,’ Richard Bean said.

Many Australians have chosen to opt out of receiving telemarketing calls on their mobile and home phones—there are now close to nine million numbers on the Do Not Call Register—and don’t tolerate companies ignoring the law.

‘ACMA research has found more than four in ten Australians on the Register hang up as soon as they realise they have received a call from a telemarketer,’ said Richard Bean.

‘And another two in ten hang up later in the call. It’s not just the ACMA—Australians are clearly telling telemarketers that do not call means just that: do not call.’

Members of the public can opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls and marketing faxes by calling 1300 792 958 or visiting www.donotcall.gov.au.