Australia welcomes NZ anti-spam moves
Australia welcomes NZ anti-spam moves
Australian ICT minister Daryl Williams has praised New Zealand's efforts to tackle the growing problem of spam, following a meeting with his trans-Tasman counterpart, adding that Australia's recently drafted legislation provided a useful model for New Zealand as it considers developing its own legislation to combat the global menace of unsolicited electronic mail.
"I welcome New Zealand's efforts to stamp out spam and look forward to our two countries continuing to work together to identify cooperative ways of addressing this growing international problem."
In a meeting with the New Zealand ICT minister, Paul Swain, which took place in Wellington on Sunday, the pair discussed Australia's support for the development of anti-spam legislation in New Zealand, and the possibility of further cooperation between the two countries in tackling the complex problem.
"Australia and New Zealand have both chosen a consultative approach with industry and the wider community in developing their strategies and policies on spam," said Williams. "I understand the New Zealand government will shortly release a discussion paper on its possible approach."
The Australian legislation, which took effect in April this year, prohibits the sending of unsolicited commercial electronic messages that have an Australian link. Those who persist in sending spam are subject to penalties up to $1.1 million for a single day of infringements.
"Spam now accounts for half of all worldwide email and is expected to continue to grow. It is a real and costly threat to the communications infrastructure that we increasingly rely on socially, in government and at work.
"Tackling spam in New Zealand will assist in reducing the spam that clogs up our inboxes in Australia," added Williams.
Related Article: