A delegation of senior franchise sector leaders attended a series of high-level meetings in Canberra last week, engaging in fruitful discussions with political and bureaucratic decision makers that revolved around the pressing issues of franchising, skill, and workforce shortages, and improvements to the governing framework.
The meetings, conducted across two days, provided the Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) with substantial insights including into the Government approach on the Independent Review of the Franchising Code.
The visit commenced with a critical dialogue with the Office of the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor, focusing on the pivotal role of franchising in the vocational education and training sector. It progressed to a productive roundtable with Minister for Small Business the Hon Julie Collins, who is at the helm of the Franchise Code Review. Minister Collins reiterated her dedication to a collaborative and consultative approach, ensuring the review’s outcomes are both practical and balanced. Detailed discussions about the workforce issues and the sector’s needs also took place with the office of the Minister for Industrial Relations, the Hon Tony Burke.
An especially informative meeting with the team at Treasury running the Franchise Code Review was another highlight. Discussions with Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Sussan Ley, and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor, further underscored the bipartisan importance of the franchising sector.
FCA Chair Brendan Green, CEO of Hire A Hubby, led the delegation alongside FCA CEO Matthew Monaghan. He says the FCA’s active and ongoing presence in Canberra highlights its dedication to fostering a resilient franchising sector to support its members who make up a large proportion of small businesses in Australia.
“Our meetings in Canberra this week are an ongoing focus for us in underlining Franchising’s significance to the Australian economy. It’s imperative we collaborate with those political and departmental stakeholders who shape the legislative and regulatory framework so we help to nurture a thriving business environment,” says Mr Green.
Joining Mr Green and Mr Monaghan in the delegation were:
- Richard Thame, CEO of Couriers Please
- Steve Grossrieder of JAX Tyres and Auto
- Dan Mesiti, a multi-site Boost franchisee
- David Mansfield, Managing Director of Ascott Australia
- Matt Fitton and Amber Biesse, COO and Founder and CEO and Founder respectively of Nurse Next Door
- Costa Cominos, Associate Director, National Retail Partnerships, Optus
- Kerri Wane, CEO of San Churro.
“The FCA takes pride in the social and economic contributions its members make to the country. The delegation’s visit served as a testament to this commitment, ensuring that the voices of the sector are heard and considered in legislative circles,” says Mr Green.
