Franchise Law Briefing (14/04/2026) — last 2 months only
- ACCC Issues Penalty for Franchise Disclosure Register Breach
Date: 2026-03-30
Source/Jurisdiction: MST Lawyers (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The ACCC issued a $19,800 fine to Luxottica Franchising Australia for not maintaining an up-to-date Franchise Disclosure Register, crucial for transparency.
Link/Citation: https://www.mst.com.au/blog/accc-franchise-register-breach/ - ACCC investigating diesel supply conduct in regional and rural Australia
Date: 2026-03-19
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The ACCC is investigating potential anti-competitive behaviour by major fuel suppliers affecting diesel availability for independent wholesalers in regional areas.
Link/Citation: https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/accc-investigating-diesel-supply-conduct-in-regional-and-rural-australia - New merger control regime off to positive start
Date: 2026-04-09
Source/Jurisdiction: ACCC (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The ACCC’s new merger control regime is proving effective, approving 91% of acquisitions within the 20-day target in its first three months.
Link/Citation: https://www.accc.gov.au/media-release/new-merger-control-regime-off-to-positive-start - Proposed New Laws on Unfair Trading Practices – What Businesses (and Franchisors) Need to Know
Date: 2026-04-08
Source/Jurisdiction: MST Lawyers (Australia)
Key Takeaway: Amendments to the Australian Consumer Law targeting unfair trading practices have been proposed, set to take effect on 1 July.
Link/Citation: https://www.mst.com.au/blog/unfair-trading-practices-australia/ - RBA Card Surcharge Ban: What Businesses Need to Know
Date: 2026-04-02
Source/Jurisdiction: MST Lawyers (Australia)
Key Takeaway: The RBA announced a ban on card surcharges for eftpos, Visa, and Mastercard from 1 October 2026, affecting cost recovery for businesses.
Link/Citation: https://www.mst.com.au/blog/rba-card-surcharge-ban-australia/
This briefing highlights key developments in Australian Franchising Law. Data processed on 14/04/2026, 10:01:32 pm.