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ARTICLE · 18 MARCH 2026

The New Franchising Code of Conduct Explained

PCL Lawyers
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These regulations, which replaced the existing Franchising Code of Conduct, implement a staged commencement to allow industry participants adequate time to adapt.

AustraliaCorporate/Commercial Law
Karen Greenidge
Karen Greenidge
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Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes-Franchising) Regulations 2024

Summary: The Australian franchising sector has seen several substantial regulatory reforms with the latest introduction of the new Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes-Franchising) Regulations 2024 (Cth) (the New Code). These regulations, which replaced the existing Franchising Code of Conduct, implement a staged commencement to allow industry participants adequate time to adapt. The first tranche of amendments took effect on 1 April 2025, and further significant changes took effect on 1 November 2025. This article examines the key amendments and their implications for franchisors, franchisees, and legal practitioners.

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