January 10, 2013
Gippsland residents wanting to avoid door-to-door salespeople can do so by displaying a ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the stickers must be displayed on the front door with significant penalties applying for any door-to-door salespeople who do not comply with the request.
“There are a number of people in our community, particularly older residents, who don’t appreciate salespeople visiting their homes during the day or in the early evening,” Mr Chester said.
“If door-to-door salespeople knock on the doors of residents who clearly display a ‘Do Not Knock’ sticker they are breaking the law and could be liable for a penalty of up to $50,000.”
Mr Chester said local residents should also be aware of their rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) which stipulates that door-to-door salespeople:
* are not allowed to visit on Sundays or public holidays, before 9am or after 6pm on weekdays, and before 9am or after 5pm on Saturdays; * must leave immediately, and not return for 30 days, if asked to do so; * must inform a consumer of their name, the organisation they represent, and the purpose of their visit; and * must inform consumers about their ‘cooling-off’ rights.
Mr Chester said local residents can request ‘Do Not Knock’ stickers from his Sale office on 1300 131 785 or by emailing darren.chester.mp@aph.gov.au