A telemarketer keeps calling despite me asking them to stop. What Australian law protects me?

What the Law Says

Australian law gives you clear rights to stop unwanted telemarketing calls. Two key federal laws apply: the Do Not Call Register Act 2003 and the Telecommunications Act 1997.

Under the Do Not Call Register Act 2003, it is illegal for a telemarketer to make a call to a number listed on the Do Not Call Register — unless an exemption applies (e.g., political, charitable, or market research calls with consent). Once your number is registered, most unsolicited telemarketing calls must stop.

The Act also requires telemarketers to maintain their own internal 'do not call' lists. If you tell a telemarketer directly not to call you again, they must record your request and stop contacting you within one business day — even if your number isn’t on the national register.

The Telecommunications Act 1997 supports this by requiring service providers and telemarketers to comply with industry standards and codes, including the Communications Alliance Telemarketing Code of Practice, which reinforces the obligation to honour opt-out requests immediately.

Statutory Text

A person must not make a telemarketing call to a number that is listed on the Register.

— Do Not Call Register Act 2003 (Cth), s. 12 — Prohibition on making telemarketing calls to numbers on the Register

Statutory Text

A person who makes a telemarketing call must, if requested by the recipient of the call not to make further telemarketing calls to the recipient, ensure that no further telemarketing calls are made to the recipient within one business day after the request.

— Do Not Call Register Act 2003 (Cth), s. 13 — Obligation to comply with request not to make further calls

What to Do

Sources