Australian commissioner works to curb unfair business practices

The Victorian Small Business Commissioner (VSBC) in Australia, Mark Brennan, says that he will use his powers to curb unfair market practices and resolve contract disputes.

More and more franchisees and franchisors in Australia are engaging in disputes, and Mr Brennan is pushing for action.

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, he said: "I'm passionate about getting substantive issues resolved. We are prepared to investigate any business to business dispute provided it is not an industrial relations matter."

Areas where disputes arise include failing to negotiate, and failure to agree to mediation. Such problems can be nipped in the bud if the relevant parties have contract law training.

The commissioner has also found that many disputes between big corporations and small businesses occur at middle management level, with managers often acting without the knowledge or consent of their seniors.

Protocols need to be established so that small businesses can stop this happening, but the profit motive makes it easy for top level executives to turn a blind eye.