Competition Minister pushes franchisors to disclose standard contracts online
Leigh is asking franchisors to publish standard contracts. This lets franchisees compare them before committing.
Competition Minister Andrew Leigh wants franchisors to publish standard contracts on the Franchise Disclosure Register. The register already lists setup costs and contract lengths.
It covers thousands of franchises from Anytime Fitness to Zambrero. But few franchisors publish their actual standard contracts.
These are key documents between franchisor and franchisee. Leigh says access to these contracts would help prospective franchisees.
They could compare deals before signing. Franchisors with fair terms would gain an advantage, he argues.
US states like California, Wisconsin and Minnesota already require contract disclosure. Australia's Franchising Code of Conduct was introduced in 2025.
It requires better disclosure of costs. It also protects franchisees' right to earn returns.
- Anytime Fitness through Zambrero
- Register users
- California, Wisconsin, Minnesota
- US disclosure states
- 2025
- New code year
Why it mattersMany franchisees sign unfair contracts without comparing them. Transparency would let them make better decisions before committing.
AustraliaMany Australian small business owners operate franchises; greater transparency would help them identify and avoid unfair contract terms.
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