Extract from Kim Beazley’s address to the National Franchise Convention:- Franchising has come a considerable distance since it first took off in Australia according to Griffith University’s 2004 Franchising Australia survey. In 2004, Australia had 850 business franchise systems – a 21 per cent increase on the 700 franchise systems in 2002. 54,000 franchise business units in 2004 – 14 per cent more than two years ago. And 92 per cent of our franchisee systems are of Australian origin – all local know-how and innovation. Franchises employ over half a million Australians across sectors as diverse as food and beverage, retail, home services, banking and financial services. And all the evidence suggests that Australia’s franchises are among the most successful businesses. In the 12 months to 2004, only three per cent failed. And the rate of business failure in the first five years of operation is much lower for franchises than for other businesses – one estimate suggests only 12 per cent of franchises fail in their first five years, compared with a rate of 70 per cent for other independent businesses. This proves the benefits of the franchise model – people get to be their own boss, with all of the independence that brings, while also being able to trade under an established brand with the big advantage of group advertising and buying power.

Inspectors from Consumer Affairs Victoria recently seized more than 900 coffee-scented candles from an importer in Melbourne’s west, after a tip-off from the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The coffee bean candles are reported to be the source of at least two fires. The beans are a safety and fire hazard because they can easily pop small embers that catch alight.

In addition to the escalating fuel surchage hitting most retailers, a pay increase has been awarded to NSW owner-operator truck drivers to cover escalating petrol costs.

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has ruled that contract drivers – including general carriers, and couriers – representing over 30% of the trucking industry in the state are to be paid between 5% and 7% extra per hour

The Walt Disney Co’s consumer division, known for selling kid-oriented fashions at Wal-Mart in the USA, has been cashing in on a trend in haute couture for vintage art. Disney has sold over $US200 million in high-end and adult apparel featuring classic images of Mickey Mouse and his cartoon friends since 2003, with no signs of that interest flagging.

The main buyers are luxury-loving teenagers and young adults in New York, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo who lead the fashion industry trends worldwide. Disney has licensed Alice and other Wonderland characters for lines of fabric, tableware, carpet tiles, decorative pillows and throws, jewellery and clothing.

Meanwhile many parents are critical of Disney who’s brand has been synonymous with small children’s entertainment and cartoons,  because they now cannot let small kids watch the Disney Channel due to the total proliferation of shows with adult themes aimed at young children.