- The ACCC enforces the Franchising Code of Conduct and runs the Franchise Disclosure Register.
- The ASBFEO is the government’s small business ombudsman. It arranges mediation and conciliation for franchise disputes under the Code.
- The Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) is the voluntary peak industry body. It advocates, educates and sets member standards, but does not enforce the law.
- The Australian Association of Franchisees (AAF) focuses on franchisee interests.
- Knowing who does what saves time when you need information, have a complaint or are in a dispute.
Australian franchising has several bodies with overlapping names and different roles. Some are government agencies with legal powers. Others are industry associations. Here is who does what, and who to contact for each kind of question.
The quick guide
| Body | Type | Go to them for |
|---|---|---|
| ACCC | Government regulator | Franchising Code rules, reporting a breach, the Franchise Disclosure Register |
| ASBFEO | Government ombudsman | Help with a dispute, mediation or conciliation under the Code |
| Franchise Disclosure Register | Free government register | Looking up a franchisor’s profile and disclosure information |
| Franchise Council of Australia | Industry association | Industry events, education, member standards, awards |
| Australian Association of Franchisees | Franchisee association | A franchisee-focused voice on policy |
ACCC: the regulator
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission enforces the Franchising Code of Conduct. It publishes guidance for franchisors and franchisees, investigates breaches and can issue infringement notices or take court action. In November 2026, for example, Sharetea Australia paid $39,600 after the ACCC issued infringement notices over alleged Code breaches. See our Sharetea franchise guide.
Franchise Disclosure Register
The Franchise Disclosure Register is a free online register run by the ACCC. Every franchisor must have a profile, and new franchisors must join at least 14 days before signing any franchise agreement. Franchisors must confirm or update their profile each year.
The register is a good first check, but the government does not approve franchisors or verify what they publish. The information is only as accurate as what the franchisor provides, so still read the full disclosure document.
ASBFEO: help with disputes
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman is named in the Franchising Code to provide alternative dispute resolution, meaning mediation or conciliation. Under the Code’s process, you first give the other party a written notice of dispute and try to resolve it directly. If that fails, either party can ask the ASBFEO to help arrange mediation. It is usually far cheaper than going to court.
Before a dispute, check the numbers. Many franchise disputes come down to money: royalties calculated on the wrong sales figure, marketing fund spending, or supply prices. Have your accountant reconcile the figures first so you go into mediation with evidence.
Franchise Council of Australia
The FCA is the peak industry body. It represents franchisors, franchisees and suppliers, advocates to government, runs education and events, and hosts the Franchise Industry Awards. Membership is voluntary, and members agree to standards that go beyond the law. It is not a regulator and does not decide disputes. Read more in what the Franchise Council of Australia does and whether FCA membership is worth it for franchisors.
Australian Association of Franchisees
The AAF formed after a parliamentary inquiry called for a body to represent franchisee interests in public policy. It makes submissions to government on franchising reform and sits on the ACCC’s small business and franchising consultative committee.
Which one should you contact?
- Researching a franchise to buy? Start with the Franchise Disclosure Register, then ask the franchisor for the full disclosure document.
- Think a franchisor broke the Code? Report it to the ACCC.
- In a dispute with your franchisor or franchisee? Follow the Code’s dispute process and contact the ASBFEO about mediation.
- Want industry networking or education? Look at the FCA.
- Want a franchisee voice in policy? Look at the AAF.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates franchising in Australia?
The ACCC. It enforces the Franchising Code of Conduct and the Competition and Consumer Act, and runs the Franchise Disclosure Register.
Who do I contact about a franchise dispute?
Follow the dispute process in the Franchising Code and your agreement. If direct negotiation fails, the ASBFEO can help arrange mediation or conciliation.
Is the Franchise Disclosure Register free?
Yes. Anyone can search it for free. The government does not verify the information franchisors provide, so read the full disclosure document as well.
What is the difference between the FCA and the ACCC?
The FCA is a voluntary industry association. The ACCC is the government regulator that enforces the Franchising Code.
Need the numbers checked before a purchase or a dispute? Book a 15-minute call or see our royalties and franchise fees service.
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 all the bodies named here.
Sources
- ACCC: Franchise Disclosure Register
- Franchise Disclosure Register: About
- ASBFEO: Franchising Code and alternative dispute resolution
- ACCC: Resolving franchising disputes
- ACCC: Small business and franchising consultative committee
- Franchise Council of Australia: FAQs
Sources checked November 2026. Rules change. Confirm current guidance before acting.
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