Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Van for the question. We do acknowledge that the franchising sector plays an important role in our economy. We have also acknowledged the need to do an independent review of the Franchising Code of Conduct. This falls under the portfolio of the Minister for Small Business. She has appointed small business expert Dr Schaper to conduct this review. That review I think will assist essentially in getting to the heart of the question that you asked, which was around how the franchising code is working. I understand that consultation has already begun through that work and that the sector is engaged on it. We look forward to working with Dr Schaper as this review is undertaken.

In the meantime we have a range of measures to support small business, including franchisees, whether it be through our Small Business Energy Incentive or our energy bill relief. Of course, I think this week we introduced into the parliament the instant asset write-off of $20,000 for small business. I'm working with my colleagues Minister Husic and Minister Collins on ways to ensure that the procurement rules support small business and the important role it plays in the economy.