Man in hazmat suit trying to clean up deadly mess. image by AZRainman.com
MELBOURNE, Australia — Newly appointed Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Rod Sims, advised franchisors of his intention to assist franchising to clean up its act.
A foolish claim made earlier this week by Franchise Council of Australia that the Shopping Centre Council of Australia might be ready for a voluntary Code of Conduct on retail tenancies was meant to gain some much needed credibility but it backfired.
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.
The Australian government is campaigning again for the small business vote. The federal Small Buiness Minister is calling for responses to a variation of the ACCC only this time dedicated to small business but still without any mention of franchising or real teeth.)
State Parliament concluded hearings into the West Australian Franchising Bill and wouldn’t you know it; the Franchise Council of Australia is whining again. Its executive director, Steve Wright, just doesn’t understand what all the fuss is about.
There has been a constant call for years for the Australian federal government to intervene in small business; particularly in franchising. The banks have tightened lending criteria, franchise sales are down and franchisors are squealing.
