Franchise Law Briefing (09/04/2026) — last 2 months only
- Franchising Code of Conduct review to investigate $170 billion sector
Date: 2026-04-06
Source/Jurisdiction: Smart Company (Australia)
Key Takeaway: An independent review of the Franchising Code of Conduct has been announced, focusing on fairness in the $170 billion franchising sector.
Link/Citation: [Smart Company](https://www.smartcompany.com.au/business-advice/franchising/franchising-franchise-code-of-conduct-review) - Harvey Norman franchisor pays penalty for alleged breach of franchising code
Date: 2026-03-30
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: Harvey Norman’s Queensland franchisor has paid a penalty for not updating the Franchise Disclosure Register, compromising transparency for prospective franchisees.
Link/Citation: [ACCC Media Release](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/harvey-norman-franchisor-pays-penalty-for-alleged-breach-of-franchising-code) - ACCC decides MicroStar’s acquisition of Konvoy requires Phase 2 review
Date: 2026-04-02
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: MicroStar Logistics’ acquisition of Konvoy will undergo a Phase 2 review due to concerns it could substantially lessen competition in keg pooling services.
Link/Citation: [ACCC Media Release](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-decides-microstar%E2%80%99s-acquisition-of-konvoy-requires-phase-2-review) - ACCC monitors fuel excise cut, fuel surcharges and fuel price movements
Date: 2026-04-01
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The ACCC warns fuel retailers to pass on fuel excise cuts promptly and is monitoring the impact of fuel surcharges on consumers.
Link/Citation: [ACCC Media Release](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-monitors-fuel-excise-cut-fuel-surcharges-and-fuel-price-movements) - ACCC allegations against Luxottica for breaches of Franchising Code
Date: 2026-03-30
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: Luxottica, operating OPSM and Laubman & Pank, paid a $19,800 penalty for failing to update the Franchise Disclosure Register.
Link/Citation: [ACCC Media Release](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/opsm-and-laubman-pank-franchisor-pays-penalty-for-alleged-breach-of-franchising-code) - Franchise Documentation & Agreements Lawyers AU
Date: 2026-03-31
Source/Jurisdiction: MST Lawyers (Australia)
Key Takeaway: MST Lawyers provides expert legal support for franchise documentation and compliance with the Franchising Code of Conduct.
Link/Citation: [MST Lawyers](https://www.mst.com.au/our-services/franchise-law/franchise-documentation-and-agreements) - Franchising Code Update: What Business Owners Should Know
Date: 2026-03-31
Source/Jurisdiction: MST Lawyers (Australia)
Key Takeaway: A new compilation of the Franchising Code of Conduct has been released, impacting disclosure requirements for franchisors.
Link/Citation: [MST Lawyers](https://www.mst.com.au/franchising-code-of-conduct-new-compilation-just-released) - New merger control regime off to positive start
Date: 2026-03-30
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The ACCC reports positive initial performance data from the new merger control regime, enhancing competition regulation.
Link/Citation: [ACCC Media Release](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/new-merger-control-regime-off-to-positive-start) - Independent review of Franchising Code of Conduct to improve small business protections
Date: 2026-03-31
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The ACCC announces an independent review of the Franchising Code of Conduct to enhance protections for small business franchisees.
Link/Citation: [ACCC Media Release](https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/independent-review-of-franchising-code-of-conduct-to-improve-small-business-protections)
This briefing highlights key developments in Australian Franchising Law. Data processed on 09/04/2026, 2:11:33 pm.