If you are a franchisee in South Australia, you will celebrate a first for Australia. The state has introduced the Small Business Commissioner Bill 2011, which will ensure broad powers to enhance protection of franchisees by stipulating that dealings are conducted fairly and in good faith.
It has been reported that vocal champion for healthy competition Professor Frank Zumbo has been appointed Deputy Small Business Commissioner to South Australia. The Franchise Council of Australia is disturbed.
The West Australian Franchising Bill originally tabled by Liberal Peter Abetz and recently rejected by one Liberal vote has now taken new shape and been re-introduced to Parliament by Labor member Ljiljanna Ravlich.
The franchise Council of Australia appears to have gathered the support of a small number of South Australian Liberals and two independents, while claiming the Family First Party is also on board.
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.
"Mum-and-dad investors need protection and we need to offer it. We are not going to stand by, waiting for the Commonwealth to step into this space." Following yesterday’s release of the South Australian Economic and Finance Committee’s Supplementary Report into Franchising the Minister calls for State franchise legislation ‘within weeks’. 
