International collaboration is also being fostered though various organizations including the OECD, the International Telecommunications Union and APEC.

"In 2003 when the legislation was introduced, spam email was recognized as the most significant part of the problem. Although this is still true today, the Australian Communications and Media Authority has reported that spam sent via SMS is an increasing concern for consumers," Coonan said. "Given the strength and general nature of the legislation, the Act is flexible enough to deal with spam sent via a range of technologies."

Industry and members of the public are invited to make submissions to the Spam Act 2003 review by Wednesday February 1, 2006. Copies of the issue paper are available online at www.dcita.gov.au/spam.