MPs 'phone home' (yours)

No place to hide from politicians now.

Not only are they outside the scope of the Federal Government's 'Do Not Call' register, but changes to legislation that came into effect last week apparently gives them access to the Telstra-managed database that includes everyone's phone number and address, including unlisted numbers.

Right to privacy trumps pesky calls

Australia's 'Do not call' register opened for business yesterday, and seems to have been inundated with householders seeking to have their name on the list.

The register won't save us from all cold calls - substantial exemptions cover charities, educational and religious organisations, politicians, government organisations market researchers, and those who can claim the call is based on an established business relationship.

The Government rejected submissions (including from the Federal Privacy Commissioner) that we should have a right to opt out from these calls as well.

The register doesn't extend to phones in the name of businesses, or faxes - the latter is a real pain.

But at least it's a start.