The Hon Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
Franchising: Fair and Flourishing
Speech to Franchise Council of Australia Conference
Online Address
Sunday, 19 October 2025
I’m Dr Andrew Leigh, the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury.
It’s a pleasure to open the Franchising Convention this morning.
Franchising’s roots go back to the 1850s, when the Singer Sewing Machine Company began licensing local agents – proof that a good business model never goes out of style. From a tyre shop in Townsville to a chicken shop in Chadstone, franchising shows that good ideas can travel fast – sometimes faster than a hot chip on a seagull beach.
At its best, franchising lets people go into business for themselves, but not by themselves. You don’t have to invent the wheel, the logo or the jingle – just add hard work and a bit of local flair.
Of course, the secret to a strong sector isn’t just brand consistency, it’s fairness. The best franchises aren’t built on fine print, but on trust – the kind that makes sure everyone, from the head office to the shopfront, shares in the success.
That’s why the Albanese Government is keen to keep working with the Franchise Council of Australia – to ensure the system stays fair, transparent and future-ready.
I wish you a great convention – one filled with good conversations, smart ideas, and perhaps even the next world-dominating business that starts right here in Australia.
ENDS