Charity chuggers should be dealt with under anti-”annoyance” code

Charity chuggers in the CBD should be dealt with under legislation that prevents “annoyance to pedestrians” according to a former City councillor.

Charity “chuggers” should be dealt with under anti-”annoyance” legislation.

Charity chuggers would have to comply with a code which restricts “annoyance” of the public if calls to reduce their impact are heeded by the City of Sydney.

This month, Central Sydney reported on the huge number of charity chuggers operating within the city limits – without restrictions.

Currently the organisations do not have to obtain permission from local governments to approach members of the public for donations or support – a condition which former City of Sydney councillor Edward Mandla would like to see changed.

“People have a right to go about their daily lives without hindrance from chuggers – there has to be a code,” Mr Mandla said.

Former City cuncillor Edward Mandla. Photo: Alan Place.

Chuggers are a key part of a charity’s marketing strategy. Picture : Mike Keating.

The City’s policy for the distribution of printed matter restricts organisations from handing out printed material when it involves “direct approaches to the ­annoyance of pedestrians”.

While the policy does not apply to the collection of ­donations or the circulation of petitions, Mr Mandla said it should apply to charity ­organisations who operate within the city.

“The problem is the beauracratic struggle as to what is an annoyance – and yet everyone knows when they’re being stalked,” Mr Mandla said.

“No one likes to be followed or harassed into a charity subscription.”

Central Sydney reporter Heather McNab is stoped in the street by a chugger. Picture: John Appleyard

Restrictions would include no blocking of paths, no following pedestrians and a restriction on operating within a certain distance from landmarks, including public transport hubs, businesses and ATMs.

A City of Sydney spokeswoman said the NSW ­Department of Fair Trading was responsible for the licensing of charity ­collectors in NSW and ­administering the Charitable Fundraising Regulation 2015.

“Under the Local Government Act 1993 (section 68) there is no requirement for council approval unless a charity puts items such as ­tables, shade structures or amplifiers on the footpath,” the spokeswoman said.