THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) Bruce Billson has welcomed plans to establish a new mandatory Franchise Disclosure Registry, saying it would provide prospective franchisees with vital information needed prior to entering into a binding franchise agreement.

Mr Billson said the national registry, to be released next year, would require franchisors to lodge disclosure documentation about their franchise annually. These documents will be publicly available through the registry.

“There is a clear need of greater awareness in the franchise sector and this registry will certainly help restore confidence in this sector,” Mr Billson said.

“My office has advocated strongly for the implementation of this registry to improve transparency of franchise operations, so prospective franchisees are properly informed before signing a franchise agreement.

“Over the past six months my office has fielded over 240 calls from franchisees seeking information regarding disputes under Franchising Code of Conduct.

“This demonstrates just how critically important it is for prospective franchisees to know what they are getting into before signing a franchise agreement.

“The Franchise Disclosure Registry will be publicly available, to help prospective franchisees undertake vital due diligence that is necessary before entering into a franchise agreement.

“The cost of purchasing and setting up a franchise can be very significant, so it makes good business sense to do your homework first.

“As part of that due diligence, it is important to seek independent legal and business advice before making that substantial investment.

“Prospective franchisees need to ensure they are aware of a range of key ongoing costs associated with running the business such as wages, rent and inventory.”

The Franchise Disclosure Registry is scheduled for release in early 2022. There will be a transition period to allow franchising businesses to understand the new requirements before the registry is mandated.

Anyone involved in a franchise dispute under the Code is encouraged to contact ASBFEO for assistance on 1300 650 460 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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MINES RESCUE crews attending mine accidents will be able to access support for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) more quickly and easily under new laws for first responders passed by the Queensland Government yesterday. 

The union campaigned to ensure mines rescue personnel are covered by the law which also protects police, ambulance officers, and firefighters.

The new laws will ensure first responders’ diagnosed PTSD claims will be deemed work-related ensuring they get immediate treatment and benefits under the workers’ compensation scheme.

First responders are exposed daily to traumatic incidents most people can only imagine and have rates of mental health conditions 10 times higher than the Australian workforce generally.

These new laws provide a smoother pathway to compensation and support.

Stephen Smyth, CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland district president, said it was a good outcome for mine rescue personnel to be covered by the new laws.

“Mines rescue teams witness horrific scenes, and they need to receive support quickly and with a minimum of paperwork and legal hoops to jump through,” Mr Smyth said.

“Last week marked the anniversary of the underground gas explosion at the Grosvenor mine which left five miners fighting for their lives in hospital for months with terrible burns.

“Our union appeared at Parliamentary hearings on this issue to ensure mine rescue personnel are covered.

“Our advocacy means it will flow on to other industries as well, like quarry and metalliferous mining.

“This is an important improvement for Queensland’s first responders and the union will continue to advocate for better and fairer laws for mining and energy workers.”

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HOMELESS Connect is a one-day event that links people experiencing homelessness with vital services and is one of the most effective ways to support the community, provide genuine help and develop meaningful connections with people in need.

Volunteering Queensland is appealing to medical and allied health service professionals to volunteer at the event on Thursday May 20, 2021.

Volunteers will help to support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The event is run entirely by volunteers as well as donations from schools, businesses and residents of Brisbane.

Since 2006, Brisbane City Council and Volunteering Queensland have joined forces with Queensland volunteers to orchestrate the annual Homeless Connect event and has helped more than 17,920 people since its inception. 

Homeless Connect provides:

• Healthcare services by medical and allied health care professionals such as doctors, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and massage therapists
• Housing support and community support
• Haircuts by barbers and hairdressers
• Immunisation delivered by Council's immunisation team
• Personal grooming items such as face washers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and deodorant
• Clothing and shoes for adults, children and babies
• Non-perishable food items
• Lunch and entertainment.

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Homeless Connect contact, Brodie Peace, 07 3002 7600 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.\

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THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said the Startup Year initiative proposed in Labor’s budget reply could contribute to Australia having a world-class ecosystem for entrepreneurship.

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese’s budget response included a pitch for Startup Year, a program helping up to 2,000 of the nation’s most promising entrepreneurs commercialise their ideas and university research.

Under the proposal, students would have access to loans of up to $11,300 through the HELP system to cover costs while participating in an accredited accelerator program.   

Mr Billson said the initiative is an interesting proposal and is looking forward to learning more about it.

“The Startup Year program is a useful and constructive proposal about how we might ensure Australia has a world-leading ecosystem to support entrepreneurship,” Mr Billson said.

“I look forward to learning more about the approach over the coming weeks and working collaboratively to ensure small business are a key focus in Labor’s economic plan.

“We all share the ambition of Australia being the best place to start, grow and transform a business and what this means for our economic prosperity and livelihoods.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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