The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today warned consumers about potential unscrupulous door knocking scams where people were asked for money in return for being listed on the Do Not Call Register.
“Everyone needs to be aware that it is FREE to put your home and mobile number on the Register. The Government has paid for the establishment of the Register, with industry contributing to the running costs.
“With the official start of the Do Not Call Register only days away, it is very disappointing to hear that some unscrupulous scam merchant may be trying to illegally profit from the extremely popular Do Not Call Register,” Senator Coonan said.
“Since the launch of pre-registrations on 3 May, the Do Not Call Register has been extremely popular with over 927,000 numbers being registered already.
“However it is outrageous that people may be trying to cash-in illegally on the popularity of this great Government initiative.
“I am aware that the Australian Communications and Media Authority have received reports of scammers charging as much as $79 to sign people up to the service.
“I urge residents not to hand over money to these scammers but to get as many details as possible from them to help authorities identify the criminals,” Senator Coonan said.
“From midnight on Thursday, it will be illegal for telemarketers to cold call numbers that are listed on the Do Not Call Register.”
While a very limited amount of calls will be allowed, including those from charities and market research companies, evidence shows the Register will greatly reduce the number of unsolicited calls.
There are three ways to list numbers on the Do Not Call Register – via the web at www.donotcall.gov.au, by phoning 1300 792 958 or by picking up a form from Australia post.
Registrations are valid for three years, and people can withdraw their registration at any time.
If consumers receive telemarketing calls more than a month after registering on the Do Not Call Register, they can lodge a complaint online at www.donotcall.gov.au or through the Do Not Call complaints line, on 1300 792 958.
May 30th, 2007
Successful trials of an organic pine oil soil drench in the branched broomrape quarantine zone of South Australia are offering hope that a cost-effective tool is around the corner to help contain and eventually eradicate the invader.
Affected farms in South Australia’s Mallee region have been forced to adhere to tough quarantine restrictions in the wake of a broomrape outbreak, but research supported by growers and the Australian government through the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has proven broomrape can be tackled by more than just herbicides.
The University of Adelaide’s Dr John Matthews has shown that an organic soil drench based on pine oil is very effective in controlling branched broomrape.
“The pine oil product is now being widely used in the broomrape quarantine zone,” Dr Matthews said. “Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) is applying the product via a boom sprayer at a rate of a couple of hundred hectares per year.”
Dr Matthews said the pine oil product had been very useful because it reduced the reliance on herbicides for broomrape control in the quarantine zone, providing another option in environmentally sensitive areas including scrubland and riparian zones.
“Although herbicides are good for controlling broomrape in legumes and cereal crops, they are not as reliable for in pastures because they don’t have good selectivity,” he said. “We are continuing to search for herbicide options in pastures, and we are studying herbicide rates and timings in broomrape affected areas.”
Dr Matthews said that although the quarantine zone had not increased during the last year, farmers needed to remain diligent and stay aware of the risks of broomrape outbreaks.
“The eradication program is working around the boundary of the quarantine zone, and is progressing with the support of both Federal and State governments,” he said. “However broomrape is an extremely aggressive parasite with a very persistent seed bank, and has long-lived seed which is slow to decay.”
Dr Matthews said broomrape had an extensive soil type range, and had the potential to threaten areas of Victoria and New South Wales if not managed properly.
“Broomrape can survive on many broad leafed grain hosts, including oilseeds, lupins, vetch and field peas, and it can also live on some common weed species such as capeweed and wild brassicas,” he said. “There is a considerable amount of preventative work being done, as broomrape has huge quarantine and export implications, especially if it moves on to horticultural crops.”
May 17th, 2007