By Jay Westbury, CEO, Franchise Council of Australia (FCA)
In a year that has seen both opportunity and uncertainty for Australia’s small business community, the Franchise Council of Australia remains steadfast in its mission: to promote the value of franchising and empower success for both franchisees and franchisors. This mission has never been more important than it is now, as we navigate a new Federal Government landscape and celebrate a major milestone for our global community—Australia’s inaugural participation in World Franchise Day.
Our work begins and ends with advocacy. Whether in Canberra or in state capitals across the country, our engagement with policymakers is anchored by the conviction that franchising is a proven model of small business success. In the lead-up to the May 3 Federal Election and following the recent Federal Budget, the FCA has been actively representing our members’ interests, ensuring that franchising is not only recognised but prioritised.
The 2025–26 Federal Budget offered some modest relief for small businesses—energy bill rebates and a temporary pause on draught beer excise indexation—but fell short of delivering a long-term, coordinated support strategy. While we welcome targeted assistance, what the sector truly needs is policy certainty and a structured approach that supports both growth and resilience. As we prepare for the implementation of the updated Franchising Code of Conduct and continue advocating for a fair, co-regulatory licensing regime, the FCA will maintain pressure on government to ensure that regulatory reform reflects the realities of running a franchise business in Australia.
It is this kind of policy engagement that speaks to the core of what franchising offers our economy. With over 90,000 small business franchisees and 500,000 employees contributing more than $173 billion, franchising is not a niche sector—it is a vital engine of national prosperity. As the peak body for this sector, the FCA is delivering for members by giving voice to their priorities, strengthening our industry’s reputation, and ensuring franchising remains a sustainable pathway for entrepreneurship.
World Franchise Day: Celebrating Local Impact on a Global Stage
This June, Australia will proudly join countries across the globe to mark the very first World Franchise Day. For the FCA, this moment is more than symbolic—it’s an opportunity to showcase the human stories and economic contribution that define our sector.
World Franchise Day, taking place on 11 June 2025, recognises franchising as one of the most successful and inclusive business models in the world. It empowers everyday Australians—many of whom are first-time business owners—to build their own future through the support of an established system. In Australia alone, franchising supports over 600,000 jobs and contributes more than $135 billion annually to the economy.
To bring this campaign to life, the FCA is coordinating a national effort that includes government outreach, media engagement, and public education. We’re encouraging elected representatives at all levels to officially recognise World Franchise Day and acknowledge the role of franchise businesses in their communities. Through real franchisee stories and a robust media campaign, we’ll highlight the ways in which franchises invest locally, create employment, and drive innovation.
Franchising is not just a business model—it’s a community-building engine. And World Franchise Day gives us the perfect platform to celebrate that publicly and proudly. We invite every franchise business in Australia to get involved, share their stories, and use this day to showcase the impact they’re making.
Recognising Excellence: The Franchise Industry Awards
Alongside our advocacy and global engagement, we continue to champion excellence within the sector through the annual Franchise Industry Awards. This year’s event, to be held on 25 June at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney, will be a signature celebration of success across franchising—from standout franchisees to visionary franchisors and dedicated suppliers.
We’ve made it simple and inclusive: one ticket price, open to all, and packed with value. Tickets also include access to the Franchise Forum, a professional development event offering CFE points and an opportunity to connect with thought leaders and industry pioneers.
With nominations extended and tickets now on sale, I strongly encourage everyone in the sector—members and non-members alike—to take part. This is our night of nights, an opportunity to recognise innovation, commitment and leadership. Events like these don’t just celebrate the past year’s achievements—they inspire the future.
Why It All Matters
Every initiative we undertake at the FCA—whether it’s engaging in legislative reform, launching a nationwide campaign, or hosting industry awards—is grounded in our core mission: to empower success for franchisees and franchisors. It’s about ensuring that franchising remains a viable, respected, and rewarding path to business ownership.
We want our current members to feel proud of their involvement in the FCA, confident that their industry is being effectively represented and supported. We also want those not yet involved to see the value of joining a united voice that’s shaping the future of franchising in Australia.
This year has already delivered some powerful reminders of why our work matters. From celebrating the legacy of industry pioneers like Maxwell Scott Raine, who was posthumously inducted into the FCA Hall of Fame for revolutionising the real estate sector through franchising, to launching a historic day of international recognition, we are reinforcing that franchising in Australia is a story of leadership, resilience, and impact.
At its best, franchising creates opportunities for people from all walks of life to thrive in business. It allows local entrepreneurs to benefit from national scale, and gives consumers trusted service with local accountability. As CEO of the FCA, I am proud of the work we are doing to advocate for this model and support the thousands of Australians who are living its promise.
We look forward to continuing this journey with you—our members, our partners, and our broader franchising community.
If you are not yet a member of the FCA, I invite you to join us and be part of a growing, dynamic sector that’s driving Australian business forward.
About FCA CEO – Jay Westbury
CEO Jay Westbury brings over two decades of experience in leading peak industry bodies, including his previous roles as CEO of Retail Drinks Australia (formerly Australian Liquor Stores Association) and the Australian Travel Industry Association (formerly Australian Federation of Travel Agents). Both sectors have close ties to franchising, giving Jay a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within this industry.