Coonan Reviews Spam Law

Calling for public comment, the Federal Government has announced a review of Australia’s anti-SPAM laws.

The existing legislation was enacted in 2003 and the Federal Government is now delivering on a promise to review the rules within two years.

Feedback from the public comment will contribute to a report to be tabled in Parliament in 2006, says Coonan’s department.

Senator Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts said: “Since the Act came into effect, many professional spammers that had been based in Australia have either shut up shop or left the country.

“The Government remains committed to a multi-layered strategy against spam that includes international cooperation, industry codes of practice, education and awareness activities and the promotion of technical countermeasures,” she said.

The review could focus more keenly on arising issues such as SMS, Instant Messaging and Multimedia Messaging Services which are also covered by the Spam Act.

“In 2003 when the legislation was introduced, spam email was recognised as the most significant part of the problem. Although this is still true today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has reported that spam sent via SMS is an increasing concern for consumers,” Senator Coonan said.

“Given the strength and general nature of the legislation, the Act is flexible enough to deal with spam sent via a range of technologies.”

Submissions to the review close on the first of February next year and an issues paper is available at www.dcita.gov.au/spam