Federal Court confirms franchisors can be held responsible for franchisee underpayments
The Full Federal Court has confirmed that franchisors can be held responsible for franchisee underpayments and record-keeping breaches under the Fair Work Act. This important decision highlights the need for franchisors to take active steps to monitor, train, and support franchisees to maintain compliance across their networks.
Thinking of Expanding into Franchising?
Franchising offers huge potential for growth, but only if it’s done strategically. Many businesses rush to expand without the right structure, systems, or support — and it costs them dearly later. This article breaks down the five essential steps every emerging franchisor should take to build a sustainable, compliant, and trusted franchise network.
How to Build Trust Between Franchisor and Franchisee from Day One
Trust is the cornerstone of every successful franchise relationship — but it doesn’t begin when the ink dries on the agreement. It starts from the very first interaction. From transparent communication and fair decision-making to showing genuine empathy for your franchisees’ day-to-day challenges, the early days set the tone for long-term success.
Discover how to build trust from day one — and why it’s your franchise system’s most valuable asset.
2025 Compliance Check: What Every Australian Franchisor Needs to Know
New franchising rules took effect in 2025, and the ACCC is already issuing fines for non-compliance. For franchisors, staying compliant isn’t optional—it’s vital to protect your brand, your franchisees, and your bottom line.
New Franchising Code in Effect: What Franchisors Must Do Now to Stay Compliant
Australia’s new Franchising Code came into effect on 1 April 2025, bringing with it significant regulatory changes for franchisors and franchisees. While the Government has indicated a grace period for compliance, the transitional arrangements are more limited than they appear. This article breaks down the key dates, delayed obligations, and practical steps franchisors must take now to ensure compliance under the new regime.
Draft Franchising Code of Conduct Released for Public Consultation
The Australian Government has released a draft update to the Franchising Code of Conduct, with the consultation period open until 29 October 2024. The revisions, set to come into effect on 1 April 2025, aim to modernise and strengthen regulations for the franchising industry. Key Proposed Changes: These proposed changes aim to improve transparency, fairness, […]
Crisis Control in COVID-19 – 3 tips for franchisors when your franchisees have been shut down
There is no doubt that COVID-19 is one of the greatest challenges the world has faced. The risks to health are immense and has resulted in the introduction of extraordinary measures across all levels of government to help limit the spread of the virus, and to save lives. However, these measures have necessarily brought with […]
What we’re reading: ’21 lessons for the 21st century’; Yuval Noah Harari
What we’re reading: ’21 lessons for the 21st century’; Yuval Noah Harari As with most lawyers, we enjoy our books. Having spent years at Law School devouring cases and textbooks, and doing our best to keep abreast of all the changes to the law to maintain our skills, the habit of reading is usually well […]
5 Takeaways From The International Franchise Expo 2019 – New York
Five Tips from the 2019 New York International Franchise Convention Recently we were lucky enough to attend the 2019 International Franchise Expo in New York City. Held by the International Franchise Association, the Expo is a massive event which attracted over 12,000 attendees and hundreds of brands. The Expo is a truly international event with […]
It’s just paper right? Do I really need to read my Franchise Agreement?
The Franchise industry in Australia has been under scrutiny recently with the Senate inquiry into the Franchise Code of Conduct and subsequent report attracting significant media attention. With this in mind, and with changes likely to be made, it is more important now than ever that both franchisors and franchisees understand completely what is involved […]