Peter Lawlor - Labor for Southport PO Box 340
Chirn Park
Queensland 4215
Tel: 5532 5068
Fax: 5532 0394
email: southport@parliament.qld.gov.au		 Labour
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Media Releases

My electorate office distributes information which is important to the Southport electorate in particular, and the Gold Coast in general. This information goes to the print and electronic media, however due to space or time constraints it doesn’t always get printed or broadcast.

Through my website however, you can access all news stories which emanate from my office and thus keep up-to-date with State Government issues relating to Southport.

Lawlor offers tips to beat telemarketers
Posted by Administrator (admin) on Aug 01 2005
Media Releases >>

Queenslanders who were concerned by unsolicited contact by telemarketers could take steps to reduce the number of calls, Member for Southport Peter Lawlor said today.

Mr Lawlor said there are several ways people can have their names removed from telemarketer phone lists.

"The first step to reducing calls is to ask the callers who they represent, write down their contact details, and then ask firmly or make a written request to be taken off their calling list," he said.

"The second is to contact the Australian Direct Marketing Association and use their free Do Not Call consumer service on 1800 646 664, or register on line at www.adma.com.au/consumer.

"The association advises their members about people wishing to be removed from telephone or mailing campaigns.

"This will not stop all telemarketing as not every telemarketer is an ADMA member, but it should reduce your calls considerably."

Mr Lawlor said a good way to avoid unwanted calls was to be careful about giving out personal details.

There were several legitimate ways telemarketers obtain your personal details including:

  • the phone book;
  • electoral rolls;
  • contact lists sold between marketing firms and businesses; and
  • contracts, competition entries or surveys you've completed.
"While there's not much you can do to stop businesses calling from phone books and electoral rolls, you can limit the number of new lists your name is added to," Mr Lawlor said.

"Under the Federal Privacy Act 1988, unless there is a good practical or legal reason which requires you to identify yourself, an organisation must give you the option of not providing personal details like phone numbers.

"Businesses must tell you why they are collecting information, any consequences if you do not provide the information, and what other organisations your details might be given to.

"The trick is to watch for these warning signs, especially in fine print, then consider carefully whether they really need all of the requested information."

Mr Lawlor said while telemarketing calls could be an annoyance, it was important to remember that those calling were just doing their job.

"Selling and buying by the phone is a service offered by legitimate businesses - many telemarketers are legally trying to make an honest living," he said.

"Reputable direct marketing businesses follow a Code of Practice which restricts calls to between 8am and 9pm daily with no calls on Sundays and public holidays.

"People considering buying from telemarketers should think the purchases through carefully and not be pushed into buying products or services they don't want.

"Ask the firm to send information so you can shop around, compare and consider the purchase carefully.

"If you are not satisfied with the responses or they try to avoid answering your questions, don't buy.

"And remember, you can always hang up."

Consumers can get handy tips on how to avoid the hard sell in the Beattie Government's free How to be Consumerwise publication available from 1300 658 030 or www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au.

Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 10:10 AM

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