Franchise Law Briefing
15 July 2026
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Origin Energy to refund customers after ACCC investigation14 July 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)The ACCC’s investigation resulted in Origin Energy agreeing to refund affected customers, reinforcing that the regulator will actively pursue large businesses—including those operating through franchise or dealer networks—for misleading conduct.
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Non-bank lenders join Consumer Data Right as next stage commences13 July 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)Non-bank lenders must now share product data under expanded Consumer Data Right obligations, a development that could reshape how franchise finance broking and lending arrangements operate under open banking.
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Cosboa urges SMEs to speak up on proposed trust tax changes14 July 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)Cosboa is pushing small business owners—many of them franchisees structured through family trusts—to have their say on proposed trust tax changes that could significantly shift their tax position.
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SME owners warned of personal consequences from mounting tax debts15 July 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)With small businesses owing $35.9 billion of the ATO’s $54.2 billion collectable tax debt, directors—including franchisees—are being warned they face real personal liability through director penalty notices if tax debts go unaddressed.
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Uber stands by sacking of driver who refused guide dog14 July 2026 • The Age – Business (Australia)Uber’s defence of its decision to remove a driver who refused a guide dog is shaping up as a test case at the intersection of anti-discrimination law and gig economy protections, with flow-on implications for franchise and platform-based models managing contractor obligations.
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Australia’s restaurants face wage rise, energy costs and tighter margins in 2026, industry body warns14 July 2026 • QSR Media (Australia)Rising wages, escalating energy costs and shrinking margins are putting serious pressure on Australian restaurant and QSR franchise operators, according to an industry body warning.
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Victoria’s WFH law ‘costly, complex and unworkable regime for employers’13 July 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)Victoria’s new work-from-home legislation is being criticised by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce as imposing a costly and complex compliance burden on employers, including franchise businesses managing staff across multiple sites.
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Sydney firm faces liquidation over missing $17 million, fake bonds15 July 2026 • The Age – Business (Australia)ASIC’s move to wind up Capital Guard over missing investor funds and fabricated bonds is a sharp reminder that thorough due diligence—particularly around financial products and investment structures—remains essential for anyone entering a franchise or business investment.
Minerva Law — Specialist Franchise Lawyers •
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