Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) members attending a second-round consultation on the Franchise Code Review on 23 October took full advantage of highlighting the practicalities of what’s working and not working in the current approach.
Code Reviewer Dr Michael Schaper invited the FCA back for additional discussion on the FCA’s submission to the Review. Franchisees and Franchisors attended the meeting in addition to FCA Chair Brendan Green, Director Stephen Giles and CEO Matthew Monaghan. Present were Selena Bridge (KX Pilates franchisor); Mike Li (KX Pilates); Jess Rowlands (KX Pilates franchisee); Richard Thame (Couriers Please); Simon Bezzina (Couriers Please); Daniel Mesiti (Boost Juice franchisee); Rowan Lee (7-Eleven Support Office); Theresa Zhou (7-Eleven franchisee); Steve Grossrieder (Jax Tyres franchisor); Scott Downey (Jax Tyres Franchisee); Brett Dingli (Craveable Brands).
The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) lodged a comprehensive submission to the Review, supported by extensive feedback from members collated during the recent National Roadshow and Online Forum. It called for urgent action on the three key areas of removing duplication including by embracing technology; reducing red tape and compliance costs; and ensuring consistency with other existing regulatory and legal requirements. It also highlighted the urgent need for action on Retail Tenancies.
FCA Chair Brendan Green thanked Dr Schaper for the opportunity to provide insights and feedback to the ongoing Review and ensure the practical ramifications of changes being considered are understood.
“To be invited to talk through the very real practicalities and impracticalities at a franchisee and franchisor level of some of the proposed changes is very welcome and we thank Dr Schaper for the ongoing dialogue”, Mr Green said.
“Our participation at this level is an exemplification of the robust dialogue we’ve fostered within our community and across our membership. We’ve undertaken an extensive consultation process, engaging our members through the National Roadshow and Online Forum, to ensure our position is both inclusive and representative and our submission to the Code Review considered and substantiated.
“The opportunity to consult with Dr Schaper and represent the diverse voices of our members is invaluable. We look forward to contributing further and ensuring that the future of franchising in Australia is both prosperous and sustainable.”
