3 workplace law changes small businesses need to prepare for in 2026
ACCC’s New Revenue Stream: Your Disclosure Register Compliance Gaps What’s Happening Australia is seeing significant workplace law reforms for 2026, impacting small businesses, including franchisees. Key changes include limitations on non-compete clauses, a shift to payday superannuation, and increased parental leave entitlements. Psychological safety is also now a legal responsibility. What This Really Means Franchisors […]
Cyber Security Is Now a Franchise Governance Issue
Cyber Security Is Now a Franchise Governance Issue Most franchisors think cyber security belongs to their IT department. It doesn’t. One successful cyber attack can simultaneously disrupt dozens or hundreds of franchise businesses, damage customer confidence, interrupt supply chains and expose weaknesses in franchise documentation. Recent cyber incidents affecting franchise businesses overseas demonstrate exactly why […]
When franchisees want out: managing transfers, renewals and early exits.
When franchisees want out: managing transfers, renewals and early exits What’s Happening Franchisors face increasing scrutiny and penalties under the Franchising Code of Conduct for mishandling franchisee exits, transfers, and renewals. The ACCC mandates strict response times and clear reasons for refusal, with significant financial penalties for non-compliance. What This Really Means The power dynamic […]
The Digital Balancing Act: Scaling Systems Without Losing the Soul
The Digital Balancing Act: Scaling Systems Without Losing the Soul What’s Happening In the current franchising landscape, there is an unavoidable “digital wave.” Brands are rapidly adopting AI tools, automated scheduling, and virtual training to drive efficiency. However, as Lisa Stead, COO of Stagecoach Performing Arts, points out, the real challenge for modern networks is […]
Exclusivity is a Privilege, Not a Right: True EV v XPeng Case Review
Exclusivity is a Privilege, Not a Right: True EV v XPeng Case Review Case Review: True EV Distribution Pty Ltd v Shenzhen Xiaopeng Motors Supply Chain Management Co Ltd [2026] FCA 380 True EV had the “golden ticket”: a 5-year exclusive distributor agreement to bring XPeng electric vehicles to Australia. In the world of franchising […]
Franchise Power Dynamics: A Shifting Landscape.
Franchise Power Dynamics: A Shifting Landscape. What’s Happening Australia is seeing a push for stronger unfair trading protections for small businesses and franchisees, including car dealerships. The government aims to rebalance the power dynamic between smaller operators and larger corporations, such as global car manufacturers. While the intent is to create a fairer environment […]
Grill’d workers demand apology over ‘buns’ ad.
Brand Values vs. Burger Buns: A Franchise Reckoning What’s Happening Grill’d, the Australian burger chain, is facing significant backlash over a new advertising campaign featuring a burger on a woman’s midriff with the tagline “Super Buns to brag about.” Workers, supported by Grill’d Workers United, are demanding an apology and the campaign’s retraction, alleging it […]
Starbucks Korea CEO Sacking: A lesson cultural due diligence.
Starbucks Korea CEO Sacking: A lesson cultural due diligence. What’s Happening The CEO of Starbucks Korea was summarily dismissed following a severe marketing misstep: a “Tank Day” promotion launched on the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, a sensitive historical event involving military suppression. The campaign, perceived as deeply offensive, triggered widespread public outrage, a […]
The “Accidental Franchise Trap”
The “Accidental Franchise” Trap: Labels Don’t Matter—The Code Cares About Control Case Review: Rafferty v Madgwicks [2012] FCAFC 37 The case involved a business deal for modular accommodation units. The parties signed a “Heads of Agreement” and a “Rights Agreement.” The “franchisor” (Time 2000) thought they were safe. They didn’t provide a disclosure document […]
The Mitre 10 vs. Bunnings Battle.
The Mitre 10 vs. Bunnings Battle. What’s Happening A Mitre 10 franchisee in Queensland is taking the fight to the Federal Court to stop a Bunnings outlet from opening right next door. The small business operator is seeking a “protective costs order,” which would allow him to sue the hardware giant for anti-competitive behavior […]