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Franchise & Competition Law Briefing — 1 July 2026

$Franchise Law Briefing$

Franchise Law Briefing

1 July 2026

RBA Card Surcharge Ban: Why this matters differently for franchise networks

30 June 2026 • MST Lawyers (Australia)

The RBA’s ban on card surcharges for eftpos, Visa and Mastercard from 1 October 2026 means franchise networks need to update their franchise agreements, disclosure documents, operations manuals and pricing guidance to stay compliant.

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RBA Card Surcharge Ban is Almost Here: What Businesses Need to Know

30 June 2026 • MST Lawyers (Australia)

With less than four months to go, the RBA has confirmed its ban on card surcharges for eftpos, Visa and Mastercard transactions kicks in on 1 October 2026, so businesses need to get moving on preparation now.

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ACCC opposes Coles’ acquisition of a supermarket and liquor site in Kalgoorlie

30 June 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)

The ACCC has blocked Coles from acquiring a supermarket and liquor site in Kalgoorlie on competition grounds, a clear signal it will keep scrutinising major grocery chain expansion that could squeeze franchise and independent operators.

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Amazon in court for introducing ads to Prime Video using allegedly unfair contract terms

29 June 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)

The ACCC has taken Amazon to the Federal Court for allegedly using unfair contract terms when it introduced ads to Prime Video, showing the regulator is actively enforcing the unfair contract term provisions under Australian Consumer Law.

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The new minimum wage has taken effect: Here’s what you need to know

1 July 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)

The National Minimum Wage went up to $1,004.90 per week ($26.44 per hour) from 1 July 2026, which directly hits labour costs for franchise businesses and means payroll systems need updating straight away.

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ACCC to monitor fuel prices and market behaviour as fuel excise is partly restored

28 June 2026 • ACCC media releases (Australia)

The ACCC will be watching fuel prices closely following the partial restoration of fuel excise, which could push up costs for franchise networks that depend on fuel-intensive logistics and delivery operations.

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Cosboa outlines fresh concerns over tax changes

29 June 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia has flagged concerns about proposed tax changes affecting 350,000 to 400,000 small businesses that operate through trust structures — an arrangement commonly used in franchise ownership.

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Milky Lane targets $100M valuation following 26-site expansion plans

30 June 2026 • QSR Media (Australia)

Milky Lane is chasing a $100 million valuation and has teamed up with Royale Hospitality to roll out 26 franchise sites nationally, showing strong investor appetite for QSR franchise growth in Australia.

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