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Member for Fisher Peter Slipper has voiced strong support for proposed new laws that restrict salespeople who tout their goods and services door-to-door.

The new federal laws will stop salespeople visiting the homes of potential customers after 6pm weekdays and 5pm Saturdays, while banning altogether door-to-door sales on Sundays.

“This is an important new law that has as its central motivation the value of time spent together by families, which should not be interrupted by strangers who are out in the neighbourhood peddling their wares,” Mr Slipper said.

In addition, the new laws would allow families to stop indefinitely visits by salespeople from electricity firms.

“It is wrong for salespeople to think they can target mums and dads and their families whenever they feel like it; I’ve heard stories of salespeople knocking on doors after dark, when it is totally inappropriate and, in some cases, it is frightening for the residents.”

The proposed tighter restrictions would not impact on charity collectors such as the Red Cross and the Smith Family or religious groups.

Mr Slipper noted the Government was considering a “Do Not Knock” register, similar to the “Do Not Call” phone register introduced successfully by the previous Liberal National government.

“I fully support a Do Not Knock register for those residents who are happy to make their own enquiries with regard to goods and services, rather than being confronted by a stranger at their door at an often intrusive time.”