AustraliaI received a spam email with no unsubscribe option. How do I report this?
You can report spam emails with no unsubscribe option to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) via their online complaint form.
What the Law Says
The Spam Act 2003 (Cth) makes it illegal to send commercial electronic messages without consent and without a functional unsubscribe facility.
Under Australian law, all commercial emails must include accurate sender information, be sent with the recipient’s consent (express or inferred), and contain a clear, working unsubscribe option.
If an email lacks a valid unsubscribe mechanism, it breaches the Spam Act — even if you previously subscribed.
The law applies to emails sent to Australian addresses, regardless of where the sender is located.
Statutory TextA commercial electronic message must include a functional unsubscribe facility.
— Spam Act 2003 (Cth), s. 187 — Requirement for unsubscribe facility
Statutory TextA person must not send a commercial electronic message that does not comply with subsection (1).
— Spam Act 2003 (Cth), s. 187(2) — Offence
What to Do
Save the full email (including headers — right-click or view source in your email client)
Go to ACMA’s online spam complaint form at acma.gov.au/spamcomplaint
Provide the email, sender details, date/time, and explain the missing unsubscribe option
ACMA will assess the complaint and may investigate or issue warnings — they aim to respond within 10 business days
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.