The Federal Government will go ahead with a review of the Franchising Code of Conduct in 2023.
A review of the Franchise Disclosure Register was expected this year. However, Small Business Minister, the Hon. Julie Collins MP, confirmed to the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) there will be co-ordinated analysis of the franchising regulatory framework.
With the current Code due to sunset in early 2025 a review prior to this date is inevitable.
Franchise Council will liaise with government
The FCA has been invited to engage with senior Treasury officials about the structure of the review and the development of appropriate Terms of Reference.
Acting CEO of the FCA, Peter White, told Franchise Executives, “As with previous reviews of the Code, the FCA will engage constructively with the Federal Government. As part of this process, the FCA will highlight the numerous challenges faced by franchised businesses across Australia and outline how policy reform can help drive job creation and business growth.”
White promised FCA members will have ample opportunities to contribute to FCA submissions.
Revisions included in the Fairness in Franchising Report in 2020 included increased penalties for Code breaches. The reforms were introduced in July 2021.
- Read more on the Code revisions and parliamentary inquiry here.
