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Legal issues launch Franchise Council’s convention in 25th year

Sarah Stowe

More than 450 delegates have flocked to the Franchise Council of Australia’s national convention in Perth as the sector body celebrates its 25th year. The event launched with a legal symposium on Monday 19 and closes with the gala awards night on Wednesday 21.

The need for franchisees to take legal and business advice to avoid loss of investment and for franchisors to follow best practice to avoid unnecessary disputes was highlighted in various case study presentations at the legal symposium which included discussions over the possible role of a good faith clause in franchising agreements, the likelihood of increased class actions between franchisee and franchisor, and trends in the US that may filter through to the Australian franchising sector.

Dr Michael Schaper, deputy chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, told the assembled delegates the upcoming issues affecting the franchising community would be the Government’s response to the franchise review, and changes to consumer law which will bring state legislation into one federal body.