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ARTICLE · 02 APRIL 2018

Senate Inquiry into Franchising

Norton Rose Fulbright Australia
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The Terms of Reference flag a broad consideration of franchise regulation, regulator conduct and of the franchise sector.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Stephen Giles
Stephen Giles
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The proposed Terms of Reference for a Senate Inquiry into franchising have been settled, and flag a wide-ranging consideration of franchise regulation, regulator conduct and the functioning of the franchise sector. The Inquiry will specifically consider the effectiveness of the Franchising Code of Conduct (Franchising Code) and Oilcode of Conduct (Oilcode), as well as the impact of the new prohibitions on unfair contract terms in the Australian Consumer Law. The Inquiry flags consideration of “any related matter”, with accompanying material and informed media reporting indicating an intention to interrogate specific brands and no doubt seek specific examples from aggrieved franchisees.

The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services will be asked to report by 30 September 2018 on:

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