After eighteen months, the Howard Government’s anti-spam legislation still needs improvement.
Labor is pleased the Government is finally taking this issue seriously. We need laws to prevent the large numbers of unwanted and sometimes offensive emails clogging up Australian in-boxes, costing consumers and businesses money.
Improvements that Labor will be seeking to the two Bills include:
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Ensuring that exemptions to the regime are consistent; |
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Requiring exempted organisations to employ a functional unsubscribe facility in commercial emails; and |
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Clarification of the definition of “consent” for single emails. |
Labor also has concerns about the “search and seizure provisions” that will be given to Australian Communications Authority under the Spam (Consequential Amendments) Bill 2003. In some situations, the Bill could allow ACA inspectors to enter and search premises – including private computer systems – without obtaining a warrant. We have to make sure people’s civil liberties are protected.
Labor is currently seeking discussions with the new Minister for Information Technology, Mr Daryl Williams MP, to clarify these issues.
Labor will also seek to refer the Bills to a Senate Committee for inquiry to examine these concerns, and will consider amendments to the legislation following this inquiry.
In addition, this legislation must be followed up with international action and public education. We must also have cooperation from the internet industry to ensure that spam is addressed as effectively as possible.
Labor will work constructively to ensure the final legislation is implemented as soon as possible and that it gives Australians the best protection possible from unwanted spam emails.
Media contact: Adina Cirson – (02) 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
