Kiwis to peck at spam

In a statement issued following a meeting with the New Zealand IT Minister Paul Swain, Williams said he offered his support to a Kiwi anti-spam law. The Australian Minister said he looked forward to creating a collaborative defence against this "growing international problem".

"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," said Minister Williams.

The Minister stated that both countries have chosen a "consultative approach" with the industry and community in developing the legislation.

"Close, effective and ongoing consultation was fundamental to creating the Australian spam legislation, which targets spammers without having an adverse impact on legitimate businesses," said Williams.

The Australian Spam Act 2003 came into effect on 1 April this year, prohibiting the sending of "unsolicited commercial" e-mails from an Australian source. Penalties for infringement of the Act may be as much as AU$1.1 million depending on the frequency and severity of breach.

According to the Minister the New Zealand government will release a discussion paper soon, detailing its possible approach.

"Tackling spam in New Zealand will assist in reducing the spam that clogs up our inboxes in Australia," said Williams.