Government moves to abolish door-to-door trading exemptions

The Queensland Government will consider abolishing after hours door to door trading in a significant move to protect consumer rights.

Premier Anna Bligh and Attorney-General Kerry Shine said the government would move to introduce amendments to the Fair Trading Act which would remove exemptions which are currently granted to companies allowing them to door knock until 8pm.

“This will ensure Queenslanders are protected from unwanted intrusions in the evening and all businesses across the state will have to abide by the same uniform door-to-door trading hours,” Ms Bligh said.

“The Fair Trading Act already offers consumers the toughest protection in the country by limiting the hours when traders can knock on their doors.

“Currently, all traders have to stop door-knocking at 6pm on weeknights and at 5pm on Saturdays, unless they are granted an exemption.

“No door to door trading is permitted on Sundays or public holidays.

“But under the Act, companies can apply for an exemption to these hours - although in the past only a small number of exemptions have been granted - generally to allow door to door trading until 8pm on weeknights.

“The Queensland Government will introduce amendments to remove the exemptions altogether.

“There will be no change to the way in which charities can operate – they will continue to be permitted to door knock between the hours of 9am and 5pm, seven days a week.

“This offers Queenslanders the opportunity to support the important work of these organisations.”

Mr Shine said the move was designed to strike the right balance between the right of traders to sell door-to-door and people’s right to privacy at home.

“Privacy is important for Queenslanders and we are making this move to protect their rights as consumers,” Mr Shine said.

“There has been growing community concern about door-to-door trading hours and it is clear people want to be protected from intrusive calls and door knocking, particularly at night.

“The Government believes the normal door-to-door hours give traders enough time to offer their products and services to people at home.

“The rules protecting consumers are the toughest in the country.

“In some other states, traders can door knock until 8pm on weeknights without having to apply for an exemption.”

Mr Shine under the Collections Act, registered charities and companies working for them could continue to raise money for their important work through street collections and door-to-door appeals.

“The Collections Act is also designed to protect the public from dishonest or fake charity collectors who might try to take advantage of people’s goodwill.”

Media contact: Chris Taylor 0419710874