The Privacy Commissioner, Karen Curtis, has welcomed the launch of the Do Not Call Register by Senator the Hon. Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts.

"People value their privacy at home and unwanted telemarketing calls are a nuisance," Ms Curtis said.

"The Do Not Call Register is an important step in limiting the number of such calls."

Ms Curtis had first raised the idea of a do not contact register in her Review of the Private Sector Provisions of the Privacy Act in March 2005. Her Office had also played an active role in the design of the Do Not Call Register, contributing submissions on the issue to various Senate committee inquiries and Australian Government agencies.

The review of the Register after three years was one of the key areas addressed in the submissions:

"The three year review of the legislation will be an important step in assessing whether the Register has had an impact on reducing unwanted telemarketing calls," Ms Curtis said.

The Office also played an active role in the implementation of the Register through its consultations with the Do Not Call Taskforce on the draft Determinations, Standards and Ministerial instruments. In addition, the Deputy Privacy Commissioner served as a member of the Do Not Call Register Scheme Steering Committee.

In addition to welcoming the launch of the Register, Ms Curtis also welcomed the development of an industry standard that will regulate when and how telemarketing and research calls can be made whether or not the number being called is on the Register.

"I encourage people to visit the Do Not Call Register site at www.donotcall.gov.au."