- The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is the peak industry body for franchising. It represents franchisors, franchisees and the advisers and suppliers who work with them.
- It is not a regulator. The Franchising Code of Conduct is enforced by the ACCC, and franchise disputes go to the ASBFEO for mediation.
- Membership is voluntary. Applicants go through an approval process and agree to follow the FCA’s member standards and the Franchising Code.
- FCA membership is a useful signal when you assess a franchisor, but it is not a guarantee. It does not replace your own due diligence.
If you are looking at buying a franchise, the Franchise Council of Australia will come up quickly. Franchisors put its logo on their websites, brokers mention it, and its awards appear in brand marketing. This guide explains what the FCA does, what membership does and doesn’t tell you, and how to use it sensibly when you assess a franchise.
What is the Franchise Council of Australia?
The FCA describes itself as the peak body for franchising in Australia. It provides advocacy, education and resources for franchisors, franchisees and franchise service providers. On its own figures, the sector it represents is worth about $174 billion and includes more than 1,200 franchise networks, more than 94,000 franchised outlets and around 565,500 workers.
The FCA has operated for around four decades. In October 2026 its board elected Marcel Lal of ERA as chair and Callum Mackay of Concept Eight as deputy chair. Chief executive Jay Westbury has fronted the FCA’s 2026 publications, including the Australian Franchise Outlook.
What the FCA does
- Advocacy. It represents the sector to government. It made submissions to the independent review of the Franchising Code and led member delegations to Canberra.
- Education. It runs courses, including the Certified Franchise Executive program and an introductory franchising course for members.
- Events. It holds state events and an annual national convention.
- Awards. The Franchise Industry Awards (formerly the Excellence in Franchising Awards) recognise franchisors, franchisees and suppliers. In 2026, Quest Apartment Hotels was named Franchisor of the Year.
- Member standards. Members agree to minimum standards of conduct on top of the law.
What the FCA does not do
The FCA is a membership association, not a government body. It does not license franchisors, enforce the Franchising Code or decide disputes. The ACCC enforces the Code, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) arranges mediation for franchise disputes, and the Franchise Disclosure Register is a free government register of franchisor information. Our guide to who’s who in Australian franchising explains each one.
What FCA membership tells you about a franchisor
New members go through an approval process. The FCA says the board reviews each application, may ask to see the franchise disclosure document or agreement, and checks that the applicant operates ethically and will follow the Franchising Code. Processing takes about three weeks.
The FCA’s member standards also say members should not sell a franchise if they know, or ought to know, that a reasonably competent franchisee is unlikely to succeed. Franchisors are expected to make reasonable inquiries about whether a prospective franchisee has the skills and resources to run the business.
A signal, not a guarantee. Membership shows a franchisor has signed up to standards and passed an approval process. It does not show that a particular site is profitable, that the fees are fair or that the numbers in a sale listing are accurate. Those still need checking.
How to use the FCA in your due diligence
- Ask the franchisor whether it is a current FCA member. The FCA has long recommended that buyers ask for proof of membership.
- Check the franchisor’s profile on the Franchise Disclosure Register. Every franchisor must be on it, whether or not it is an FCA member.
- Read the disclosure document, key facts sheet and franchise agreement in full, with a franchise lawyer.
- Speak to current and former franchisees. Their contact details are in the disclosure document.
- Test the numbers: sales, wages, rent, royalties and the cash you need to open. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST.
Can franchisees join the FCA?
Yes. The FCA offers franchisee memberships. Its published materials have listed franchisee membership at $264 a year for one to four outlets, and a newer form lists $350 plus GST. Confirm the current price with the FCA. Members get access to events, education and a voice in the FCA’s submissions to government. Some franchisees also look to the Australian Association of Franchisees, which focuses on franchisee interests.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Franchise Council of Australia a government body?
No. It is an industry association funded by its members. The ACCC enforces the Franchising Code of Conduct, and the ASBFEO helps with franchise disputes.
Do franchisors have to be FCA members?
No. Membership is voluntary. All franchisors must still comply with the Franchising Code and be on the Franchise Disclosure Register.
Does FCA membership mean a franchise is a safe investment?
No. It shows the franchisor has passed an approval process and agreed to member standards. You still need to check the disclosure document, the agreement, the lease and the numbers for the specific business.
Can I complain to the FCA about my franchisor?
The FCA expects members to meet its standards, but it is not a dispute body. For a dispute under the Franchising Code, follow the Code’s dispute process, which includes mediation arranged through the ASBFEO.
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This article is general information only and does not take into account your personal circumstances. It is not legal, tax or financial advice. Franchise Co. is independent of the Franchise Council of Australia and is not endorsed by it.
Sources
- Franchise Council of Australia: About
- Franchise Council of Australia: FAQs
- Franchise Council of Australia: How to join
- Franchise Council of Australia: Member standards
- Franchise Council of Australia: 2026 Franchise Industry Award winners
- FCA board elects Marcel Lal as chair, Inside Retail (October 2026)
- Franchise Disclosure Register
Sources checked November 2026. Details change. Confirm current information with the FCA before acting.
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