Franchise Law Briefing

8 June 2026

• Consumer Express | May 2026 Edition – Lexology
  1 May 2026 • www.lexology.com (Australia)
  The May 2026 edition examines the Franchising Code of Conduct as the industry code regulating Australia’s franchising sector and the scope of protections it provides to franchisees.

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• ACCC: Microsoft in court for allegedly misleading millions of Australians over Microsoft 365 subscriptions
  8 June 2026 • www.accc.gov.au (Australia)
  The ACCC took Microsoft Australia and its US parent to the Federal Court for allegedly misleading consumers, reinforcing that Australian Consumer Law obligations apply to all businesses including franchise networks.

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• Unfair business practices – ACCC
  8 June 2026 • www.accc.gov.au (Australia)
  The ACCC sets out Australian Consumer Law protections against unfair business practices when selling products and services, and these rules apply equally to franchise systems and their consumer dealings.

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• After more than a decade of pay disputes, Grill’d boss insists his staff come first
  8 June 2026 • The Age – Business (Australia)
  Grill’d founder Simon Crowe has responded to more than a decade of wage disputes at the burger franchise, highlighting the persistent workplace compliance risks franchise systems face in Australia.

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• Australia’s first music school empire collapses, owing $1.8 million
  6 June 2026 • The Age – Business (Australia)
  An Australian franchise-style music school network has collapsed owing $1.8 million to teachers and the Tax Office, underscoring the insolvency and creditor risks that come with rapidly scaled franchise and licence models.

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• Zarraffas Coffee expands north with new Smithfield drive-thru
  8 June 2026 • QSR Media Australia (Australia)
  Coffee franchise Zarraffas Coffee is expanding its network with a new Smithfield drive-thru expected to create up to 30 jobs, signalling continued growth appetite in Australia’s QSR franchise sector.

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• Analysis: Australia’s economy is slowing. What likely comes next?
  8 June 2026 • Inside Small Business (Australia)
  Analysis asks whether Australia’s economic slowdown is temporary or structural, with real implications for franchise-sector consumer spending, lending conditions and franchisee viability.

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