Australia

The Australian federation consists of six States and two Territories. Most inland borders follow lines of longitude and latitude. The largest State, Western Australia, is about the same size as Western Europe. Australia has had one of the most outstanding economies of the world in recent years. As a high-growth, low-inflation, low interest rate economy, it is more vibrant than ever before. There is an efficient government sector, a flexible labour market and a very competitive business sector. Japan remains Australia’s largest single export market, buying 19 per cent of total merchandise exports in 2001 – 02. The United States accounts for 10 per cent, Korea 8 per cent and New Zealand 6 per cent. China, Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Indonesia were also significant export markets. (Merchandise exports to East Asia grew by 35 per cent in 2000 and to the Middle East by 38 per cent in the same year. Growth was small in 2001 – 02: to East Asia almost zero, and to the Middle East up just one per cent).

Demographic Data

Economic Data Cultural & Other Data

GDP (PPP, $bn)

800.5

 Capital

Canberra
Area (sq. km.)

7,686,850

 GDP Real

Growth (%)

2.2

 Other Large Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth
Population (million)

21.26

 PerCap GDP ($)

38,100

 Primary Language

English
Population

Growth %

1.2

 Prime Lending

Rate (%)

10.02

 Urban

Population %

89
% Population

Under 15yrs

18.6

 Inflation Rate%

4.7

 Urban Growth %

1.2
Population below

poverty line (%)

NA

 Unemployment%

4.5

 Literacy

(% of population)

99
Agricultural Workers

(% of population)

4

 Foreign Direct

Investment($bn)

333.1

 Education spending

as % of GDP

4.5
Industrial Workers

(% of population)

21

 Debt-External

($bn)

1,032

 CPI Score

(1-10)*

8.7
Service Workers

(% of population)

75

 Exports ($bn)

178.9

 Corporate Income Tax %

30
Labor Force (mil)

11.21

 Imports ($bn)

187.2

Ease of Doing

Business Ranking **

9

Franchising Laws Overview

Disclosure laws:

  • Franchisors must provide a copy of the Franchising Code of Conduct (the Code) and a disclosure document to prospective franchisees prior to a franchise sale, renewal, or extension.
  • Disclosure document must be provided to franchisees or prospective franchisees 14 days before the franchise agreement is signed or any money is paid.

Relationship laws:

  • A 7-day cooling off period is given to the franchisee once the franchise agreement has been signed.
  • The Code has specific provisions regarding breach, termination, mediation, and transfers of the franchise.

Registration laws:

  • None.
  • Share/Bookmark