Timeline for 23 Recommendations to the Franchising Code: Implementation

On Tuesday 7th May, Hon. Julie Collins MP, Minister for Small Business, announced that in response to the Independent Review of the Franchising Code, undertaken by Dr. Michael Shafer, and his report dated December 2023, the Government look to adopt all 23 of his recommendations:

It is my understanding and after consultation with ACCC Deputy Chair, Mick Keogh, that the following is a guideline to the process and timeline for implementation:

• Within two (2) months: a Franchising Task Force will be established to look at the Licensing Recommendations and review and consult on the cost-benefits of the model and its effect on the system.

• By the end of the year 2024, there will be an Exposure Draft made available for comment/consultation by the industry. This exposure draft will be the re- making of the Franchise Code and all the other Recommendations will be grouped together.

• We have been given a Sunset Clause date of April 2025 to have all the recommendations implemented.

I have made available for download the:

• Government Response to the Independent Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct – 7 May 2024

• Independent Review of the Franchising Code of Conduct – Dec 2023

This is a massive change to how we will operate our Franchise businesses’, whether we are a Franchisee, Franchisor, Supplier or have dealings in the Australian Franchise Sector.

I will bring you further updates and look to hear your views and comments on the 23 Changes to the Australian Franchising Code of Conduct.

For further information on ‘the Governments response to the Independent Review of the Franchise Code of Conduct, my contact details are below:

Mark Fernandez

Certified Franchise Executive

CEO – FranchisingWA

 W: www.franchisingwa.com.au

E: [email protected]

 P: 0412 345 611