Australian television program, A Current Affair, has listed some big international franchise brands obviously not being put off by franchisees and state and federal politicians calling for effective franchise legislation.

So while Borders unceremoniously exits Australia amongst the newcomers are Arby’s, Mos Burger, Johnny Rockets, Carl’s Jr, Top Shop, H & M, Forever 21, Banana Republic, UNI QLO, and Margaretaville.

Keep in mind that at website Franchising.net.au rarely a day or week goes by when another and often home grown ‘new’ franchise concept isn’t opening somewhere with ‘major’ expansion plans.

Now if we were to believe the Franchise Council of Australia we would expect that these brands are shying away from states discussing effective franchise legislation - West Australia, South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales.

That would leave just 2 states, Victoria and Tasmania, to accommodate the influx of brands and provide all the necessary franchisee investor capital or could it be that the smell FCA warned us about isn’t actually franchisor fear of good faith dealing. But what else could that odor be?