Do Not Call Register – Should It Be Extended to Include All Telephone Numbers?

At present, only private telephone numbers can be listed on the Do Not Call Register, which enables people to register to opt out of receiving unsolicited telemarketing calls.

The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has just released a discussion paper that seeks comment on whether:

1. all telephone numbers should be allowed to be listed on the Register, and
2. fax numbers should be allowed to be listed on the Register.

To find out more, click here to access the discussion paper, which includes a questionnaire and discussion questions. 

The closing date for submissions is 12 September and they can be lodged online directly, or via email, post or fax.

Calling for Nominations for the 2008 Human Rights Medals and Awards

The Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission (HREOC) is now calling for nominations for the 2008 Human Rights Medals and Awards, held annually to recognise the extraordinary contribution to Australian society of individuals and organisations committed to human rights, social justice and equality.

You can nominate yourself (or an individual or organisation) for the 2008 Human Rights Medal, Young People’s Human Rights Medal or one of the seven award categories:  Law, Community, Literature (non-fiction), Print Media, Television and Radio.

You can enter online at www.humanrights.gov.au/hr_awards, where you’ll find all entry requirements and general information. 

Even if you don’t enter or nominate someone, HREOC invites you to the gala luncheon ceremony at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney on Wednesday 10 December to hear the winners announced and show your support for these prestigious awards.  The ceremony includes a two course luncheon, drinks and entertainment and tickets are available at $65 or $40 concession.  You can dowload the ticket order form online, or call (02) 9284 9618.

Equal Opportunity – Are We There Yet?

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Employment and Workplace Relations has asked the ABN to contribute to its inquiry on women’s equal opportunities in the workforce, including pay equity.  The deadline to lodge submissions is 28 August.

Some of the questions the inquiry would like to answer are:

What are the trends?  What needs to be done? What are the priority areas? What have been the most successful initiatives? Which policies are most effective? What are the lessons learnt? Is there enough information available to employers and employees? What improvements can be made to the current approach? Which policies need to be changed? What legislative changes are needed?

The Committee is interested in hearing our point of view on (but not limited to):

• The adequacy of current arrangements to ensure fair access to training and promotion for women who have taken maternity leave and/or returned to work part time and/or sought flexible work hours
• The need for further legislative reform to address pay equity in Australia
• The adequacy of recent and current equal remuneration provisions in state and federal workplace relations legislation
• Current structural arrangements in the negotiation of wages that may impact disproportionately on women
• The need for education and information among employers, employees and trade unions in relation to pay equity issues
• The adequacy of current data to reliably monitor employment changes that may impact on pay equity issues.

 If you’d like to contribute to our submission, please send your comments to susan@abn.org.au.  For further information on the inquiry, visit www.aph.gov.au/ewr.