In January, the REIA reported on the proposed Extension of the Do Not Call Register to include all Australian businesses phone and fax numbers and called for evidence that this Extension would place undue stress on the real estate profession.
The results of a study, commissioned by business search directory, TrueLocal.com.au, in partnership with the Council of Small Business of Australia has (COSBOA), released this week, have revealed 78% of small businesses do not have the resources to manage the proposed Government changes to the Do Not Call Register.
The survey revealed:
• 58% of small businesses were unaware of the Government’s proposed extension to the Do Not Call Register
• 45% of small businesses believe the overall cost of operating their business will increase if this legislation is passed
• 22% of small businesses said they gained new business through phone calls
If the proposed legislation is passed, small businesses will not be able to call a business to promote, advertise or propose to supply goods, services, land, business opportunities or investment opportunities if the number is on the Do Not Call Register and where there is no prior consent or an ongoing relationship.
REIA, TrueLocal and COSBOA have all made submissions to the Senate Standing Committee’s inquiry into the Do Not Call Register Legislation Amendment Bill 2009. The committee is due to release its findings on February 24.
REIA will keep you up to date with the outcome of the Senate Inquiry.
Source REIA
