This instrument is the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Regulations 2024.
3 Authority
This instrument is made under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
4 Simplified outline of this instrument
This instrument prescribes a mandatory industry code for the franchising industry.
The Code requires franchisors, franchisees and prospective franchisees:
(a) to act in good faith towards one another; and
(b) to do certain things, and observe certain cooling‑off periods, before entering into, renewing, extending, transferring or terminating franchise agreements; and
(c) to do certain things in relation to disputes and dispute resolution.
The Code also includes:
(a) requirements about the terms of franchise agreements; and
(b) particular requirements for new vehicle dealership franchise agreements; and
(c) requirements relating to the Franchise Disclosure Register; and
(d) civil penalty provisions for contraventions of requirements.
The Code also confers functions on:
(a) the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman in relation to the Code; and
(b) the Chairperson of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in relation to the Franchise Disclosure Register.
Part 2—Definitions
6 Definitions
Note: A number of expressions used in this instrument are defined in the Act, including the following:
(a) contract;
(b) corporation;
(c) personal information;
(d) supply.
(1) In this instrument:
ABN has the same meaning as in the A New Tax System (Australian Business Number) Act 1999.
Act means the Competition and Consumer Act 2010.
ADR practitioner means a conciliator or mediator.
ADR process means conciliation or mediation.
ANZSIC division and subdivision codes means the division and subdivision codes for an industry that are specified in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) 2006 (Revision 2.0), published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on 26 June 2013.
Note: The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) 2006 (Revision 2.0) could in 2024 be viewed on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website ().
(a) who:
(i) is a director or related body corporate, or a director of a related body corporate, of the franchisor; or
(ii) for a franchisor that is a proprietary company (within the meaning of the Corporations Act)—directly or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote, at least 15% of the issued voting shares in the franchisor; or
(iii) is a partner of the franchisor; and
(b) whose relationship with the franchisor is relevant to the franchise system, including because:
(i) the person supplies goods or services to a franchisee; or
(ii) the person gives the franchisee a right to occupy premises, whether under a lease or otherwise; or
(iii) the person owns intellectual property used in the franchise system; or
(iv) the person is involved in market research, market testing, market development, sales promotion or management of the franchise system.
Code means the industry code set out in Chapter 2.
complainant: see section 70.
Co‑operatives National Law means the Law set out in the appendix to the Co‑operatives (Adoption of National Law) Act 2012 (NSW), as in force on 1 April 2025, and applying in a State or Territory under the following:
(a) the Co‑operatives (Adoption of National Law) Act 2012 (NSW);
(b) the Co‑operatives National Law Application Act 2013 (Vic.);
(c) the Co‑operatives National Law Act 2020 (Qld);
(d) the Co‑operatives National Law (South Australia) Act 2013 (SA);
(e) the Co‑operatives National Law (Tasmania) Act 2015 (Tas.);
(f) the Co‑operatives National Law (ACT) Act 2017 (ACT);
(g) the Co‑operatives (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2015 (NT).
Corporations Act means the Corporations Act 2001.
disclosure document means a document created in compliance, or purported compliance, with section 20.
engage in conduct means:
(a) do an act; or
(b) omit to perform an act.
extend:
(a) in relation to the scope of a franchise agreement, means a material change to:
(i) the terms and conditions of the agreement; or
(ii) the rights of a person under or in relation to the agreement; or
(iii) the liabilities that would be imposed on a person under or in relation to the agreement; or
(b) in relation to the term of a franchise agreement, occurs when the period of the agreement is extended, other than because of an option exercisable by the franchisee during the term of the agreement.
Fair Work Act means the Fair Work Act 2009.
Fair Work civil remedy provision means a civil remedy provision within the meaning of the Fair Work Act.
Fair Work related offence provision means a related offence provision within the meaning of the Fair Work Act.
Fair Work serious contravention means a serious contravention within the meaning of the Fair Work Act.
financial year, in relation to a franchisor and a franchise, means a period of 12 months in respect of which financial statements relating to the franchise are prepared for the franchisor.
franchise includes the following:
(a) the rights and obligations under a franchise agreement;
(b) a master franchise;
(c) a subfranchise;
(d) an interest in a franchise.
franchise agreement: see section 7.
franchisee includes the following:
(a) a person to whom a franchise is granted;
(b) a person who otherwise participates in a franchise as a franchisee;
(c) a subfranchisor in its relationship with a franchisor;
(d) a subfranchisee in its relationship with a subfranchisor.
franchise system includes a business system in which a franchisor grants a franchise to a franchisee.
franchisor includes the following:
(a) a person who grants a franchise;
(b) a person who otherwise participates in a franchise as a franchisor;
(c) a subfranchisor in its relationship with a subfranchisee;
(d) a subfranchisor in a master franchise system;
(e) a subfranchisor in its relationship with a franchisee.
fund administrator, of a specific purpose fund, means:
(a) the franchisor or master franchisor who controls or administers the fund; or
(b) if the franchisor or master franchisor has authorised an associate to control or administer the fund for the franchisor or master franchisor—the authorised associate.
industry code has the meaning given by subsection 51ACA(1) of the Act.
interest in a franchise includes a legal or beneficial interest in:
(a) a franchise agreement or a franchised business, whether arising as a result of a guarantee of a franchisee’s obligations under the agreement or otherwise; or
(b) shares or voting rights in a corporation, not being a listed corporation (within the meaning of the Corporations Act), that owns a franchised business; or
(c) units or voting rights in a unit or other trust that owns a franchised business; or
(d) the capital or income of a partnership that owns a franchised business.
master franchise means a franchise in which the franchisor grants to a subfranchisor the right:
(a) to grant a subfranchise; or
(b) to participate in a subfranchise.
motor vehicle means a vehicle that uses, or is designed to use, volatile spirit, gas, oil, electricity or any other power (except human or animal power) as the principal means of propulsion, but does not include a vehicle used, or designed to be used, on a railway or tramway.
Note: Examples of motor vehicles are as follows:
(a) motor car;
(b) motorcycle;
(c) tractor;
(d) motorised farm machinery;
(e) motorised construction machinery;
(f) aircraft;
(g) motor boat.
motor vehicle dealership:
(a) means a business of:
(i) buying, selling, exchanging or leasing motor vehicles that is conducted by a person other than a person who is only involved as a credit provider, or provider of other financial services, in the purchase, sale, exchange or lease; and
(ii) any servicing or repairing of motor vehicles by that business; and
(b) includes a business of:
(i) selling motor vehicles that is conducted by a person (for the purposes of this instrument, the franchisee) who sells the motor vehicles as an agent for a principal (for the purposes of this instrument, the franchisor); and
(ii) any servicing or repairing of motor vehicles by that business.
new light goods vehicle means a new road vehicle of the kind referred to in clause 4.5.5 of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
new passenger vehicle means a new road vehicle of a kind referred to in clause 4.3 of the Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule – Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005.
new road vehicle has the same meaning as in section 78 of the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018.
new vehicle dealership agreement means a motor vehicle dealership agreement relating to a motor vehicle dealership that predominantly deals in new passenger vehicles or new light goods vehicles (or both).
Note: A motor vehicle dealership agreement is taken to be a franchise agreement (see paragraph 7(2)(c)).
obligation to act in good faith: see section 18.
old regulations means the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Regulation 2014, as in force before 1 April 2025.
Ombudsman means the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman.
prospective franchisee means a person:
(a) who deals with a franchisor for the right to be granted a franchise; or
(b) who seeks to acquire a franchise business through the transfer of a franchise agreement.
Register means the register established under clause 53 of Schedule 1 to the old regulations.
renew, in relation to a franchise agreement, occurs when the franchisee exercises an option during the term of the agreement to renew the agreement.
respondent: see section 70.
Secretary means the Secretary of the Department that is administered by the Minister administering the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Act 2015.
serious offence means:
(a) an offence under any law of the Commonwealth or a State or a Territory for which, if the act or omission had taken place in the Jervis Bay Territory, a person would be liable, on first conviction, to imprisonment for a period of not less than 5 years; or
(b) a contravention of any provision of the Corporations Act.
Note: Jervis Bay Territory is mentioned because it is a jurisdiction in which the Commonwealth has control over the criminal law.
specific purpose fund means a fund:
(a) that is controlled or administered:
(i) by a franchisor or a master franchisor; or
(ii) for a franchisor or a master franchisor by an associate for the franchisor or master franchisor; and
(b) to which, under a franchise agreement, a franchisee is required to pay money (whether the franchisee is a franchisee or subfranchisee of the franchisor or master franchisor); and
(c) that, under the franchise agreement, must be used for a specified common purpose relating to the operation of the franchised business.
Note: Examples of specific purpose funds could include a marketing fund for advertising or a cooperative fund for information technology.
subfranchisor means a person who is:
(a) a franchisee in relation to a master franchise; and
(b) a franchisor in relation to a subfranchise granted under the master franchise.
trade mark has the meaning given by the Trade Marks Act 1995.
Note: A trade mark is a sign (including any letter, word, name, signature, numeral, device, brand, heading, label, ticket, aspect of packaging, shape, colour, sound or scent (or any combination of these)) used, or intended to be used, to distinguish goods or services dealt with or provided in the course of trade by a person from goods or services so dealt with or provided by any other person (see sections 6 and 17 of the Trade Marks Act 1995).
transfer, in relation to a franchise agreement, includes a situation in which:
(a) the agreement is terminated on the basis that a new franchise agreement is entered into between the franchisor and a prospective franchisee; or
(b) the franchisee’s rights and obligations under the agreement are assigned to a prospective franchisee; or
(c) the agreement contemplates a transfer in specified circumstances and those circumstances happen.
virtual attendance technology means any technology that allows a person to attend an ADR process or an arbitration without being physically present at the ADR process or arbitration.
(2) In this instrument, the following terms have the meanings given by the Corporations Act:
(a) ACN;
(b) ARBN;
(c) body corporate;
(d) Chapter 5 body corporate;
(e) consolidated entity;
(f) director;
(g) insolvent under administration;
(h) misconduct;
(i) officer;
(j) registered company auditor;
(k) registered office;
(l) related body corporate.
7 Meaning of franchise agreement
(1) A franchise agreement is an agreement:
(a) that takes the form, in whole or part, of any of the following:
(i) a written agreement;
(ii) an oral agreement;
(iii) an implied agreement; and
(b) in which a person (the franchisor) grants to another person (the franchisee) the right to carry on the business of offering, supplying or distributing goods or services in Australia under a system or marketing plan substantially determined, controlled or suggested by the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; and
(c) under which the operation of the business will be substantially or materially associated with a trade mark, marketing or a commercial symbol:
(i) owned, used or licensed by the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; or
(ii) specified by the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; and
(d) under which, before starting or continuing the business, the franchisee must pay or agree to pay to the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor an amount including, for example:
(i) an initial capital investment fee; or
(ii) a payment for goods or services; or
(iii) a fee based on a percentage of gross or net income whether or not called a royalty or franchise service fee; or
(iv) a training fee or training school fee;
but excluding:
(v) payment for goods and services supplied on a genuine wholesale basis; or
(vi) repayment by the franchisee of a loan from the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; or
(vii) payment for goods taken on consignment and supplied on a genuine wholesale basis; or
(viii) payment of market value for purchase or lease of real property, fixtures, equipment or supplies needed to start business or to continue business under the franchise agreement.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), each of the following is taken to be a franchise agreement:
(a) the transfer or renewal of a franchise agreement;
(b) the extension of the term or the scope of a franchise agreement;
(c) a motor vehicle dealership agreement.
(3) However, none of the following in itself constitutes a franchise agreement:
(a) an employer and employee relationship;
(b) a partnership relationship;
(c) a landlord and tenant relationship;
(d) a mortgagor and mortgagee relationship;
(e) a lender and borrower relationship.
Part 3—Mandatory industry code
8 Mandatory industry code
For the purposes of section 51AE of the Act, the industry code set out in Chapter 2:
(a) is prescribed for the purposes of Part IVB of the Act; and
(b) is declared to be a mandatory industry code.
9 Acquisition of property
A provision of this instrument has no effect to the extent (if any) to which the provision’s operation would result in the acquisition of property (within the meaning of paragraph 51(xxxi) of the Constitution) otherwise than on just terms (within the meaning of that paragraph).
10 Franchise agreements to which the Code does not apply
Franchise agreements to which another mandatory industry code applies
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the Code does not apply to a franchise agreement to which another mandatory industry code, prescribed under section 51AE of the Act, applies.
(2) However, the Code applies to a franchise agreement to which either of the following industry codes apply:
(a) the industry code set out in Part 2 of the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Food and Grocery) Regulations 2024;
(b) the industry code set out in Schedule 1 to the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Unit Pricing) Regulations 2021.
Certain franchise agreements relating to pre‑existing business relationships
(3) The Code does not apply to a franchise agreement if:
(a) the franchise agreement is for goods or services that are substantially the same as those supplied by the franchisee before entering into the franchise agreement; and
(b) the franchisee has supplied those goods or services for at least 2 years immediately before entering into the franchise agreement; and
(c) sales under the franchise are likely to provide no more than 20% of the franchisee’s gross turnover for goods or services of that kind for the first year of the franchise.
(4) Subsection (3) ceases to apply to a franchise agreement if:
(a) sales under the franchise provide more than 20% of the franchisee’s gross turnover for the goods or services for 3 consecutive years; and
(b) the franchisee notifies the franchisor in writing that paragraph (a) of this subsection applies.
Franchise agreements that form part of arrangements relating to certain co‑operatives or mutual entities
(5) The Code does not apply in relation to a franchise agreement that forms part of arrangements under which the franchisee is:
(a) a member of a co‑operative that is entered on a register maintained under:
(i) the Co‑operatives National Law; or
(ii) the Co‑operatives Act 2009 (WA), as in force on 1 April 2025; or
(b) a member with voting rights of a mutual entity (within the meaning of the Corporations Act).
Note: For Co‑operatives National Law, see subsection 6(1). For mutual entity, see section 51M of the Corporations Act.
11 Civil penalty provisions of the Code
A provision of Chapter 2 that is of one of the following kinds and sets out at its foot a pecuniary penalty indicated by the words “civil penalty” is a civil penalty provision of the industry code set out in that Chapter for the purposes of Part IVB and section 76 of the Act:
(a) a subsection;
(b) a section that is not divided into subsections.
12 Reviews
(1) The Minister must ensure that a review of this instrument is undertaken.
(2) The review must commence before 1 April 2030.
(3) The review must assess the role, impact and operation of this instrument.
(4) The Minister must ensure that a written report of the review is prepared.
(5) The Minister must cause a copy of the report of the review to be tabled in each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the report is given to the Minister.
13 Interaction with the Privacy Act 1988
Disclosure of personal information in accordance with item 6(5) of Schedule 1 is authorised for the purposes of Australian Privacy Principle 6.2(b) under the Privacy Act 1988.
Chapter 2—Franchising Code of Conduct
Part 1—Preliminary
14 Purpose of Chapter
This Chapter sets out an industry code that relates to the industry of franchising.
15 Purpose of Code
The purpose of this Code is to:
(a) regulate the conduct of participants in franchising towards other participants in franchising, in particular to address the imbalance of power between franchisors and franchisees and prospective franchisees; and
(b) improve standards of conduct and practice in the industry to minimise disputes through:
(i) better disclosure of information, to inform decision‑making; and
(ii) setting out requirements for franchise agreements; and
(c) provide a fair and equitable dispute resolution procedure for disputes arising under this Code or a franchise agreement.
16 Functions of Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has the following functions in relation to this Code:
(a) keeping lists of persons who can provide services of arbitration, conciliation or mediation for the purposes of this Code or of a franchise agreement;
(b) in accordance with this Code, appointing persons who can provide services of arbitration, conciliation or mediation of disputes for the purposes of this Code or a complaint handling procedure of a franchise agreement, on request by one or more of the parties;
(c) receiving information about disputes that are being, or have been, dealt with under this Code or a complaint handling procedure of a franchise agreement;
(d) regularly providing to the Minister statistical information relating to disputes that have been or are being dealt with under this Code or a complaint handling procedure of a franchise agreement;
(e) in accordance with this Code, publicising the names of franchisors who refuse to engage in, or who withdraw from, an ADR process for a dispute.
17 Amount of civil penalty for certain contraventions by bodies corporate
(1) This section has effect for the purposes of the following civil penalty provisions of this Code:
(a) subsections 34(1) and (2);
(b) subsections 45(2), (3) and (5);
(c) subsection 46(2);
(d) section 64.
(2) The amount of the pecuniary penalty for a contravention of a civil penalty provision referred to in subsection (1) by a body corporate is the greatest of the following:
(a) $10,000,000;
(b) if the Court can determine the value of the benefit that the body corporate, and any body corporate related to the body corporate, has obtained directly or indirectly and that is reasonably attributable to the contravention—3 times the value of that benefit;
(c) if the Court cannot determine the value of that benefit—10% of the adjusted turnover of the body corporate during the period of 12 months ending at the end of the month in which the contravention occurred.
Part 2—Obligation to act in good faith
18 Obligation to act in good faith
Obligation to act in good faith
(1) Each party to a franchise agreement must act towards another party with good faith, within the meaning of the unwritten law from time to time, in respect of any matter arising under or in relation to:
(a) the agreement; and
(b) this Code.
This is the obligation to act in good faith.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) The obligation to act in good faith also applies to a person who proposes to become a party to a franchise agreement in respect of:
(a) any dealing or dispute relating to the proposed agreement; and
(b) the negotiation of the proposed agreement; and
(c) this Code.
Matters to which a court may and must have regard
(3) Without limiting the matters to which a court may have regard for the purpose of determining whether a party to a franchise agreement has contravened subsection (1):
(a) for all agreements—the court may have regard to:
(i) whether the party acted honestly and not arbitrarily; and
(ii) whether the party cooperated to achieve the purposes of the agreement; and
(b) for a new vehicle dealership agreement—the court must have regard to whether the terms of the agreement are fair and reasonable.
Franchisor must not enter into franchise agreement that includes provision limiting or excluding obligation to act in good faith
(4) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that includes a provision that limits or excludes, or purports to limit or exclude, the obligation to act in good faith.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(5) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that includes a provision that limits or excludes, or purports to limit or exclude, the obligation to act in good faith by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, the words of another document, as in force at a particular time or as in force from time to time, in the agreement.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Other actions may be taken consistently with the obligation
(6) To avoid doubt, the obligation to act in good faith does not prevent a party to a franchise agreement, or a person who proposes to become such a party, from acting in the party’s, or the person’s, legitimate commercial interests.
(7) To avoid doubt, if a franchise agreement does not:
(a) give the franchisee an option to renew the agreement; or
(b) allow the franchisee to extend the agreement;
this does not mean that the franchisor has not acted in good faith in negotiating or giving effect to the agreement.
Part 3—Requirements before entry into, renewal, extension or transfer of franchise agreements
Division 1—Application
19 Application of Part—master franchisors
This Part does not apply to a master franchisor in relation to a subfranchisee.
Division 2—Disclosure document
20 Franchisor must create disclosure document
Disclosure document to inform franchisee or prospective franchisee
(1) A franchisor must create a document relating to a franchise that complies with subsections (3) to (6).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) The purpose of a disclosure document is to:
(a) give a prospective franchisee proposing to enter into a franchise agreement information from the franchisor to help the prospective franchisee to make a reasonably informed decision about entering into the agreement; and
(b) give a franchisee proposing to renew a franchise agreement, or extend the term or scope of a franchise agreement, information from the franchisor to help the franchisee to make a reasonably informed decision about the proposed renewal or extension of the agreement; and
(c) give a franchisee current information from the franchisor that is material to the running of the franchised business.
Content and form of disclosure document—general
(3) Information in a disclosure document must:
(a) comply with the following:
(i) be set out in the form and order of Schedule 1;
(ii) use the headings and numbering of Schedule 1;
(iii) if applicable—include additional information under the heading “Updates”; or
(b) comply with the following:
(i) if particular items are applicable—use the headings and numbering of Schedule 1 for those items;
(ii) if particular items are not applicable—include an attachment that sets out the headings and numbering of Schedule 1 for those items.
Content of disclosure document—significant capital expenditure
(4) A disclosure document must state:
(a) whether the franchisor will require the franchisee to undertake significant capital expenditure in relation to the franchised business during the term of the franchise agreement; and
(b) as much information as practicable about any such expenditure, including the following:
(i) the rationale for the expenditure;
(ii) the amount, timing and nature of the expenditure;
(iii) the anticipated outcomes and benefits of the expenditure;
(iv) the expected risks associated with the expenditure.
Note: For example, the information could include the type of any upgrades to facilities or premises, any planned changes to the corporate identity of the franchisor’s brand and indicative costs for any building materials.
Signature
(5) A disclosure document must be signed by the franchisor, or a director, officer or authorised agent of the franchisor.
Note: For when a document may be signed electronically, see section 10 of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999.
Table of contents
(6) A disclosure document must also have a table of contents based on the items in Schedule 1, indicating the page number on which each item begins. If the disclosure document attaches other documents, the table of contents must list these other documents too.
21 Updating disclosure document—general
(1) This section applies to a franchisor if:
(a) on the first day of a financial year (the current financial year), the franchisor is a party to a franchise agreement; and
(b) either:
(i) the franchisor entered into 2 or more franchise agreements in the previous financial year; or
(ii) the franchisor intends, or, if the franchisor is a company, its directors intend, to enter into another franchise agreement in the current financial year.
(2) The franchisor must, within 4 months starting on the first day of the current financial year, update the disclosure document so that it reflects:
(a) the position of the franchise and the franchisor as at the date of the update; and
(b) any relevant amendments made to this Code since the disclosure document was created or last updated.
Note: See also section 33 (giving updated disclosure document on request by franchisee).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Division 3—Information statement
22 Information statement to be given by franchisors
(1) If a prospective franchisee formally applies or expresses an interest in acquiring a franchised business, the franchisor must give the prospective franchisee a copy of the information statement relating to franchising that is published on the Commission’s website:
(a) as soon as practicable, and not later than 7 days, after the prospective franchisee formally applies or expresses an interest in acquiring the franchised business; and
(b) before the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee any of the documents mentioned in subsection 23(2).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) To avoid doubt, this section does not apply to:
(a) the renewal of a franchise agreement; or
(b) the extension of the term or scope of a franchise agreement.
Note: For when information in writing may be given electronically, see section 9 of the Electronic Transactions Act 1999.
Division 4—Considering documents
23 Entering into, renewing and extending franchise agreements
Application
(1) This section applies to a franchisor if:
(a) the franchisor proposes to enter into a franchise agreement with a prospective franchisee; or
(b) the franchisor, or a franchisee (within the meaning of paragraph (a) of the definition of that expression), proposes to:
(i) renew a franchise agreement; or
(ii) extend the term or scope of a franchise agreement.
Documents that franchisor must give prospective franchisee
(2) The franchisor must give the prospective franchisee the following documents:
(a) a copy of the franchise agreement, in the form in which it is to be executed;
(b) if:
(i) premises are leased to the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; and
(ii) the franchisor or associate proposes to sublease the premises to the prospective franchisee for the purposes of a franchised business, or to permit the prospective franchisee to occupy the premises for those purposes without a lease;
a copy of:
(iii) the lease of the premises to the franchisor or associate or, if the franchisor or associate is not in possession of the lease, a summary of the commercial terms negotiated by the franchisor or associate and the lessor of the premises (including any lease incentives); and
(iv) if the lessor of the premises to the franchisor or associate complies with a requirement by or under a law of a State or Territory to disclose to the franchisor or associate (as lessee) written information relating to the lease—that information or, if the franchisor or associate is not in possession of that information, any information of that kind of which the franchisor is aware;
(c) if the prospective franchisee has not given the franchisor a written notice under subsection (4)—the documents mentioned in subsection (5).
Note: If it is proposed that the prospective franchisee lease premises from, or occupy premises under another right granted by, the franchisor or an associate, section 50 lets the franchisee terminate the franchise agreement up to 14 days after being given a document setting out the terms of the lease or right to occupy the premises.
Changes to franchise agreement
(3) If, after giving the prospective franchisee a copy of the franchise agreement, and before the agreement is executed, the franchisor makes a change to the agreement, the franchisor must give the prospective franchisee a copy of the changed agreement.
Documents that prospective franchisee may opt out of receiving
(4) The prospective franchisee may, by written notice given to the franchisor, opt out of being given the documents mentioned in subsection (5) if:
(a) the prospective franchisee has, or has recently had, another franchise agreement with the franchisor that is the same or substantially the same as the franchise agreement; and
(b) the business that is the subject of the franchise agreement is the same or substantially the same as the business that is or was the subject of the other franchise agreement.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(c) and subsection (4), the documents are:
(a) a copy of the disclosure document relating to the franchise:
(i) if the disclosure document was created in the financial year in which the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee documents under subsection (2)—as created under subsection 20(1); or
(ii) as most recently updated under section 21 or 33; or
(iii) if neither subparagraph (i) or (ii) applies—updated to reflect the position of the franchise as at the end of the financial year before the financial year in which the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee documents under subsection (2); and
(b) a copy of this Code.
Franchise agreement not to be executed until after consideration period
(6) The franchisor must not execute the franchise agreement with the prospective franchisee before the end of the period (the consideration period) of 14 days after the latest of the following:
(a) the day the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee the documents required by subsection (2);
(b) if, after the day mentioned in paragraph (a), the franchisor makes a change to the agreement other than a change mentioned in subsection (7)—the day the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee the changed agreement;
(c) if, after the day mentioned in paragraph (a) and before the franchise agreement is executed, the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee earnings information in relation to the franchise—the day the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee that information.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(7) For the purposes of paragraph (6)(b), the changes are the following:
(a) a change to give effect to a request by the prospective franchisee;
(b) a change to fill in required particulars;
(c) a change to reflect changes of address or other circumstances;
(d) a change for a clarification of a minor nature;
(e) a change to correct an error or reference.
Repayment of payments made by prospective franchisee in consideration period
(8) If, in the consideration period for a franchise agreement:
(a) the prospective franchisee makes a payment (whether of money or of other valuable consideration) of an amount to the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor in connection with the agreement; and
(b) the prospective franchisee subsequently gives the franchisor a written notice requesting the repayment of the amount;
the franchisor must repay the amount to the prospective franchisee within 14 days after receiving the request.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
24 Transferring franchise agreements
Application
(1) This section applies to a franchisor if:
(a) a request is made under section 48 that the franchisor consent to the transfer of an existing franchise agreement to a prospective franchisee; and
(b) the transfer does not involve entry into a new franchise agreement.
Note: For paragraph (b), see section 23 for transfers that involve entry into a new franchise agreements.
Documents that franchisor must give prospective franchisee
(2) The franchisor must give the prospective franchisee:
(a) a copy of the existing franchise agreement; and
(b) each other document (if any) the franchisor requires the prospective franchisee to sign to give effect to the transfer; and
(c) if applicable, a copy of the documents mentioned in paragraph 23(2)(b); and
(d) if the prospective franchisee has not given the franchisor a written notice under subsection (4) of this section—the documents mentioned in subsection 23(5).
Consent not to be given until after 14 day period
(3) The franchisor must not give the consent before the end of 14 days after the later of the following:
(a) the day the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee the documents required by subsection (2);
(b) if, after the day mentioned in paragraph (a) and before the transfer occurs, the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee earnings information in relation to the franchise—the day the franchisor gives the prospective franchisee that information.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Documents that prospective franchisee may opt out of receiving
(4) The prospective franchisee may, by written notice given to the franchisor, opt out of being given the documents mentioned in subsection 23(5) if:
(a) the prospective franchisee has another franchise agreement with the franchisor that is the same or substantially the same as the existing franchise agreement; and
(b) the business that is the subject of the existing franchise agreement is the same or substantially the same as the business that is the subject of the other franchise agreement.
25 Form of documents to be given under this Division
(1) A person to whom a franchisor must give documents under section 23 or 24 may, before the documents are given, request the franchisor to give the documents in printed form, electronic form or both.
(2) If a request is made under subsection (1), the franchisor must comply with the request.
Division 5—Statements to be received by franchisors
26 Statements with respect to disclosure document and this Code
A franchisor must not:
(a) enter into a franchise agreement; or
(b) renew or transfer a franchise agreement; or
(c) extend the term or scope of a franchise agreement; or
(d) enter into an agreement to:
(i) enter into a franchise agreement; or
(ii) renew or transfer a franchise agreement; or
(iii) extend the term or scope of a franchise agreement;
unless the franchisor has received from the franchisee or prospective franchisee (as the case requires):
(e) a written statement that the franchisee or prospective franchisee has received, read and had a reasonable opportunity to understand the disclosure document and this Code; or
(f) a written notice under subsection 23(4) or 24(4) (as the case requires).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
27 Statements with respect to independent advice
(1) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement unless the franchisor has received from the prospective franchisee, in respect of advice from each kind of adviser mentioned in subsection (2):
(a) a signed statement by that kind of adviser to the effect that the adviser has given the prospective franchisee advice about the proposed franchise agreement or franchised business; or
(b) a signed statement by the prospective franchisee to the effect that the prospective franchisee:
(i) has been given advice by that kind of adviser about the proposed franchise agreement or franchised business; or
(ii) is aware of the need to obtain advice from that kind of adviser but has decided not to obtain it.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the kinds of advisers are the following:
(a) an independent legal adviser;
(b) an independent business adviser;
(c) an independent accountant.
Exception to subsection (1)
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply to:
(a) the renewal of a franchise agreement; or
(b) the extension of the term or scope of a franchise agreement.
Franchisor may require prospective franchisee to provide statements
(4) Subsection (1) does not prevent the franchisor from requiring the prospective franchisee to give the franchisor a statement mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) before the franchisor enters into a franchise agreement with the prospective franchisee.
Part 4—Franchise agreements
Division 1—Application
28 Application of Part—master franchisors
(1) This Part does not apply to a master franchisor in relation to a subfranchisee.
(2) This section does not limit the effect of sections 31 and 61 (which relate to specific purpose funds).
Division 2—Franchisor’s obligations
Subdivision A—Disclosure obligations
29 Copy of lease etc.
Occupying premises under lease
(1) If a franchisee leases premises from the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor for the purposes of a franchised business, the franchisor or the associate must give the franchisee:
(a) either:
(i) a copy of the lease; or
(ii) a copy of the agreement to lease; and
(b) details of any incentive or financial benefit that the franchisor or associate is entitled to receive as a result of the lease or agreement to lease.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) The copy and details must be given within 1 month after the lease or agreement to lease is signed by the parties.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) If:
(a) premises are leased to the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; and
(b) a franchisee subleases, or a prospective franchisee proposes to sublease, the premises for the purposes of a franchised business; and
(c) the lessor of the premises to the franchisor or associate complies with a requirement by or under a law of a State or Territory to disclose to the franchisor or associate (as lessee) written information relating to the lease;
the franchisor or associate must, if requested to do so in writing, give the franchisee or prospective franchisee a copy of that information.
Note: A copy must also be given by the franchisor to a prospective franchisee before entering into a franchise agreement (see subsections 23(2) and (6)).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) The copy requested under subsection (3) must be given as soon as reasonably practicable, and not later than 7 days, after the request is made.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(5) If the franchisee occupies, without a lease, premises leased by the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor, the franchisor or the associate must give the following to the franchisee:
(a) a copy of the franchisor’s lease or agreement to lease or of the associate’s lease or agreement to lease;
(b) details of any incentive or financial benefit that the franchisor or associate is entitled to receive as a result of the lease or agreement to lease;
(c) a copy of the documents that give the franchisee the right to occupy the premises;
(d) written details of the conditions of occupation;
(e) details of any incentive or financial benefit that the franchisor or associate is entitled to receive as a result of the franchisee’s right to occupy the premises.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(6) The copy and details must be given within 1 month after:
(a) the occupation commences; or
(b) for the documents mentioned in paragraph (5)(c)—the documents are signed by the parties.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(7) If:
(a) a franchisee occupies, or a prospective franchisee proposes to occupy, without a lease, premises for the purposes of a franchised business under a right given or to be given by the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; and
(b) the premises are leased to the franchisor or associate; and
(c) the lessor of the premises to the franchisor or associate complies with a requirement by or under a law of a State or Territory to disclose to the franchisor or associate (as lessee) written information relating to the lease;
the franchisor or associate must, if requested to do so in writing, give the franchisee or prospective franchisee a copy of that information.
Note: A copy must also be given by the franchisor to a prospective franchisee before entering into a franchise agreement (see subsections 23(2) and (6)).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(8) The copy requested under subsection (7) must be given as soon as reasonably practicable, and not later than 7 days, after the request is made.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Incentive or financial benefit
(9) In this section, the details of any incentive or financial benefit must include the name of the business providing the incentive or financial benefit.
30 Copies of other agreements
(1) If a franchise agreement requires:
(a) the franchisee; or
(b) directors, shareholders, beneficiaries, owners or partners of the franchisee;
to enter into an agreement of a kind mentioned in subsection (2), the franchisor must give the franchisee a copy of the agreement in accordance with subsection (3).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the kinds of agreements are the following:
(a) a lease (other than a lease of premises which is covered by section 29) or hire purchase agreement;
(b) an agreement under which the franchisee gains ownership of, or is authorised to use, any intellectual property;
(c) a security agreement, including a guarantee, mortgage, security deposit, indemnity, loan agreement or obligation to provide a bank guarantee to a third party;
(d) a confidentiality agreement;
(e) an agreement not to carry on business within an area or for a time after the franchise agreement is terminated.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), the agreement must be given:
(a) at least 14 days before the day on which the franchise agreement is signed, if it is available at that time; or
(b) if it is not available at that time—when it becomes available.
31 Financial statements for specific purpose funds
(1) This section applies if a franchise agreement requires the franchisee to pay money to a specific purpose fund.
(2) The fund administrator of the fund must:
(a) within 4 months after the end of a financial year, prepare an annual financial statement for the fund for the financial year that complies with subsection (3); and
(b) give the franchisee a copy of the financial statement within 30 days of preparing it; and
(c) unless subsection (4) applies in respect of the fund for the financial year:
(i) within 4 months after the end of the financial year, have the statement audited by a registered company auditor; and
(ii) give the franchisee a copy of the auditor’s report within 30 days of receiving it.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(a), the statement must detail all of the fund’s receipts and expenses, including:
(a) sufficient detail of the fund’s receipts and expenses to give meaningful information about:
(i) sources of income; and
(ii) items of expenditure, particularly with respect to the specified common purpose; and
(b) the percentage of the total income spent on each of the following:
(i) the expenses mentioned in paragraph 61(4)(a);
(ii) the costs mentioned in paragraph 61(4)(b).
(4) This subsection applies in respect of a specific purpose fund for a financial year if, within 3 months after the end of the financial year, 75% of the franchisees (whether franchisees or subfranchisees of the franchisor or master franchisor) in Australia who paid money to the fund in the financial year vote to agree that the fund administrator does not have to do the things mentioned in paragraph (2)(c) in respect of the fund for the financial year.
32 Franchisee may request updated disclosure document
(1) A franchisee may, in writing, request a franchisor to give the franchisee a copy of the disclosure document relating to the franchise.
(2) A request under this section can be made only once every 12 months.
(3) A request under this section may request that the disclosure document be given in printed form, electronic form or both.
33 Giving updated disclosure document on request by franchisee
If a franchisor receives a request from a franchisee in accordance with section 32, the franchisor must:
(a) update the disclosure document so that it reflects the position of the franchise as at the end of the financial year before the financial year in which the request is made; and
(b) give the franchisee a copy of the updated disclosure document:
(i) within 2 months of the date of the request; and
(ii) in the form or forms (if any) requested by the franchisee.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
34 Disclosure of materially relevant facts
Financial details
(1) If:
(a) either:
(i) a statement or declaration referred to in item 21 of Schedule 1 is made; or
(ii) a document referred to in that item comes into existence; and
(b) the statement or declaration is not reflected in, or the document is not provided together with, a disclosure document that has been updated under section 21 or 33;
the franchisor must give a franchisee or a prospective franchisee a copy of the statement, declaration or document:
(c) as soon as reasonably practicable; and
(d) in relation to a prospective franchisee—before the prospective franchisee enters into a franchise agreement with the franchisor.
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
Other matters
(2) If a disclosure document does not mention a matter mentioned in subsection (3), the franchisor must tell a franchisee or prospective franchisee about the matter, in writing, within a reasonable time (but not more than 14 days) after the franchisor becomes aware of it.
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the matters are the following:
(a) change in majority ownership or control of:
(i) the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor; or
(ii) the franchise system;
(b) proceedings by a public agency, a judgment in criminal or civil proceedings or an award in an arbitration against the franchisor, a franchisor director, an associate of the franchisor or a director of an associate of the franchisor, in Australia alleging:
(i) breach of a franchise agreement; or
(ii) contravention of the Act; or
(iii) contravention of the Corporations Act; or
(iv) unconscionable conduct; or
(v) misconduct; or
(vi) an offence of dishonesty;
(vii) contravention of subsection 558B(1) or (2) of the Fair Work Act; or
(c) civil proceedings in Australia against the franchisor, a franchisor director, an associate of the franchisor or a director of an associate the franchisor, by at least 10%, or 10, of the franchisees in Australia of the franchisor (whichever is the lower);
(d) any judgment that is entered against the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor in Australia, and is not discharged within 28 days, for at least:
(i) for a small proprietary company (within the meaning of the Corporations Act)—$100,000; or
(ii) for any other company—$1,000,000;
(e) any judgment that is entered against the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor in a matter mentioned in item 4 of Schedule 1;
(f) the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor becoming a Chapter 5 body corporate;
(g) a change in the intellectual property, or ownership or control of the intellectual property, that is material to the franchise system;
(h) the existence and content of:
(i) any undertaking given by the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor under section 87B of the Act; and
(ii) any order made by the Federal Court of Australia under that section in relation to such an undertaking.
(4) For the purposes of paragraphs (3)(b), (c), (d) and (e), the franchisor must tell the franchisee:
(a) the names of the parties to the proceedings; and
(b) the name of the court or tribunal; and
(c) the case number; and
(d) the general nature of the proceedings.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (3)(f), the franchisor must tell the franchisee the name and address of the administrator, controller, liquidator or restructuring practitioner (within the meaning of the Corporations Act).
Note: Nothing in this Code affects the operation of Part VIIC of the Crimes Act 1914 (which includes provisions that, in certain circumstances, relieve persons from the requirement to disclose spent convictions and require persons aware of such convictions to disregard them).
Subdivision B—Notification obligations (other than for new vehicle dealership agreements)
35 Application of Subdivision
This Subdivision does not apply to a new vehicle dealership agreement.
Note: For new vehicle dealership agreements, see Division 2 of Part 6.
36 End of term arrangements
(1) The franchisor of a franchise agreement must notify the franchisee, in writing, whether the franchisor intends to:
(a) extend the agreement; or
(b) enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee; or
(c) neither extend the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee.
(2) The franchisor’s notice must be given:
(a) if the term of the franchise agreement is 6 months or longer—at least 6 months before the end of the term of the agreement; and
(b) if the term of the franchise agreement is less than 6 months—at least 1 month before the end of the term of the agreement.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) If the franchisor intends to extend the franchise agreement, the franchisor’s notice must include a statement to the effect that, subject to subsection 32(2), the franchisee may request a disclosure document under section 32.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Subdivision C—Record keeping obligations
37 Keeping certain information and documents
Things in writing given to a franchisor by a franchisee or prospective franchisee
(1) If a franchisee or prospective franchisee gives something to a franchisor in writing, as required or permitted by this Code, the franchisor must keep the written thing or a copy of it for at least 6 years after the franchisor receives it.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Supporting documents for disclosure documents
(2) If a franchisor:
(a) makes a statement or claim in the franchisor’s disclosure document; and
(b) relies on a document (the supporting document) to support the statement or claim;
the franchisor must keep the supporting document for at least 6 years after the disclosure document was most recently provided to a franchisee or prospective franchisee.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Documents a franchisor is required to give to a franchisee or prospective franchisee
(3) If a franchisor gives a document to a franchisee or prospective franchisee, as required or permitted by this Code, the franchisor must keep the written thing or a copy of it for at least 6 years after the franchisor gives it to the franchisee or prospective franchisee.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Division 3—Terms of franchise agreements
38 Franchisor’s legal costs relating to franchise agreement
(1) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that has the effect of:
(a) requiring the franchisee to pay all or part of the franchisor’s costs of legal services relating to preparing, negotiating or executing the agreement or documents relating to the agreement; or
(b) allowing the franchisor or an associate of the franchisor to require the franchisee to pay all or part of those costs;
other than as permitted under subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) The franchise agreement may require the franchisee to make a payment, before the franchisee starts the franchised business, of a fixed amount of dollars that:
(a) is specified in the agreement; and
(b) is stated in the agreement as being for the franchisor’s costs of legal services relating to preparing, negotiating or executing the agreement; and
(c) does not exceed the reasonable and genuine costs of the services mentioned in paragraph (b); and
(d) is stated in the agreement not to include any amount for the franchisor’s costs of legal services that will or may be provided, after the agreement is entered into, in relation to preparing, negotiating or executing other documents.
39 Prohibition on release from liability etc.
(1) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that requires a franchisee to sign:
(a) a general release of the franchisor from liability towards the franchisee; or
(b) a waiver of any verbal or written representation made by the franchisor.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) However, subsection (1) does not prevent a franchisee from settling a claim against the franchisor after entering into a franchise agreement.
40 Jurisdiction for settling disputes
(1) A franchise agreement may contain a section that:
(a) if a party to the agreement wishes to bring an action or proceedings in relation to a dispute under the agreement, requires the party to bring the action or proceedings in a State or Territory in which the franchised business is based; or
(b) if a party to the agreement wishes to refer a dispute under the agreement to an ADR process, requires the ADR process to be conducted in a State or Territory in which the franchised business is based.
(2) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that contains a section that:
(a) requires a party to the agreement to bring an action or proceedings in relation to a dispute under the agreement:
(i) in any State or Territory outside that in which the franchised business is based; or
(ii) in any jurisdiction outside Australia; or
(b) requires an ADR process for a dispute under the agreement to be conducted:
(i) in any other State or Territory outside that in which the franchised business is based; or
(ii) in any jurisdiction outside Australia.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
41 Costs of settling disputes
A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that includes a provision that requires the franchisee to pay costs incurred by the franchisor in relation to settling a dispute (whether the dispute is resolved as mentioned in Part 5 or otherwise).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
42 Restraint of trade clause if franchise agreement not renewed or extended
A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that includes (in the agreement, or in another document physically attached to the agreement, or in another document incorporated into the agreement by reference) a restraint of trade clause that would apply if:
(a) the franchise agreement expires; and
(b) the franchise agreement contained an option for the franchisee to renew or extend the agreement; and
(c) before the expiry, the franchisee had given written notice to the franchisor seeking to renew or extend the agreement on substantially the same terms as those:
(i) contained in the franchisor’s current franchise agreement; and
(ii) that apply to other franchisees or would apply to a prospective franchisee; and
(d) before the expiry, the franchisee met any conditions contained in the franchise agreement that were required to be met by the franchisee to renew or extend the agreement; and
(e) immediately before the expiry, the franchisee was not in serious breach of the agreement or any related agreement; and
(f) the franchisee had not infringed the intellectual property of, or a confidentiality agreement with, the franchisor during the term of the agreement; and
(g) the franchisor did not renew or extend the agreement; and
(h) either:
(i) the franchisee claimed compensation for goodwill because the agreement was not renewed or extended, but the compensation given was merely a nominal amount and did not provide genuine compensation for goodwill; or
(ii) the agreement did not allow the franchisee to claim compensation for goodwill in the event that it was not renewed or extended.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
43 Franchise agreement must provide for compensation for early termination—general
(1) This section applies to a franchise agreement that is not a new vehicle dealership agreement.
(2) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement unless the agreement:
(a) provides for the franchisee to be compensated if the agreement is terminated before it expires because the franchisor:
(i) withdraws from the Australian market; or
(ii) rationalises its networks in Australia; or
(iii) changes its distribution models in Australia; and
(b) specifies how the compensation is to be determined, with specific reference to the following:
(i) lost profit from direct and indirect revenue;
(ii) unamortised capital expenditure requested by the franchisor;
(iii) loss of opportunity in selling established goodwill;
(iv) costs of winding up the franchised business.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement unless the agreement contains provision for the franchisee to return, and the franchisor to accept and buy back or compensate the franchisee for, the things mentioned in subsection (4) if the agreement is terminated before it expires because the franchisor:
(a) withdraws from the Australian market; or
(b) rationalises its networks in Australia; or
(c) changes its distribution models in Australia.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the things are the following:
(a) all the outstanding stock of the franchise purchased by the franchisee that was specified by the franchisor and required in order to operate the franchise in accordance with the franchise agreement or any operations manual (however described);
(b) all the essential specialty equipment, branded product or merchandise purchased by the franchisee that:
(i) was specified by the franchisor and required in order to operate the franchise in accordance with the franchise agreement or any operations manual (however described); and
(ii) cannot be repurposed for a similar business.
(5) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement that contains a provision that purports to exclude any compensation to which the franchisee may be entitled, other than under the agreement, if the agreement is terminated before it expires other than because the franchisee has breached the agreement.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
44 Franchise agreement must provide reasonable opportunity for return on franchisee’s investment—general
(1) This section applies to a franchise agreement that is not a new vehicle dealership agreement.
(2) A franchisor must not enter into a franchise agreement unless the agreement provides the franchisee with a reasonable opportunity to make a return, during the term of the agreement, on any investment required by the franchisor as part of entering into, or under, the agreement.
Note: If expenditure is disclosed in a disclosure document for a franchise agreement, the circumstances in which the expenditure is likely to be recouped must be discussed (see section 47).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
45 Franchise agreement must provide for compensation for early termination—new vehicle dealership agreements
(1) This section applies to a new vehicle dealership agreement.
(2) A franchisor must not enter into a new vehicle dealership agreement unless the agreement:
(a) provides for the franchisee to be compensated if the agreement is terminated before it expires because the franchisor:
(i) withdraws from the Australian market; or
(ii) rationalises its networks in Australia; or
(iii) changes its distribution models in Australia; and
(b) specifies how the compensation is to be determined, with specific reference to the following:
(i) lost profit from direct and indirect revenue;
(ii) unamortised capital expenditure requested by the franchisor;
(iii) loss of opportunity in selling established goodwill;
(iv) costs of winding up the franchised business.
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
(3) A franchisor must not enter into a new vehicle dealership agreement unless the agreement contains provision for the franchisor to buy back or compensate the franchisee for the things mentioned in subsection (4) if:
(a) the agreement is not renewed and the franchisor does not enter into a new new vehicle dealership agreement with the franchisee; or
(b) the agreement is terminated before it expires because the franchisor:
(i) withdraws from the Australian market; or
(ii) rationalises its networks in Australia; or
(iii) changes its distribution models in Australia.
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the things are new road vehicles, spare parts and special tools.
(5) A franchisor must not enter into a new vehicle dealership agreement that contains a provision that purports to exclude any compensation to which the franchisee may be entitled, other than under the agreement, if the agreement is terminated before it expires other than because the franchisee has breached the agreement.
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
46 Franchise agreement must provide reasonable opportunity for return on franchisee’s investment—new vehicle dealership agreements
(1) This section applies to a new vehicle dealership agreement.
(2) A franchisor must not enter into a new vehicle dealership agreement unless the agreement provides the franchisee with a reasonable opportunity to make a return, during the term of the agreement, on any investment required by the franchisor as part of entering into, or under, the agreement.
Note: If expenditure is disclosed in a disclosure document for a franchise agreement, the circumstances in which the expenditure is likely to be recouped must be discussed (see section 47).
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
47 Discussion about significant capital expenditure disclosed in disclosure document
The franchisor must not enter into, renew or extend the term or scope of a franchise agreement unless the franchisor and the franchisee or prospective franchisee have discussed:
(a) any significant capital expenditure disclosed in the disclosure document as mentioned in subsection 20(4); and
(b) the circumstances under which the franchisor considers that the franchisee or prospective franchisee is likely to recoup the expenditure, having regard to the geographical area of operations of the franchisee or prospective franchisee.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Division 4—Transfer of franchise agreements
48 Request for franchisor’s consent to transfer
(1) A person may request, in writing, that a franchisor consent to the transfer of a franchise agreement.
(2) A request must be accompanied by all information that the franchisor would reasonably require and expect to be given to make an informed decision.
(3) If the franchisor requires further information to make an informed decision, the franchisor may, in writing, request the person to provide specified information relevant to making the decision.
49 Franchisor’s consent to transfer
Giving consent
(1) A franchisor must advise, in writing, a person who has made a request under section 48 for consent to the transfer of a franchise agreement:
(a) whether consent is given, and if not, give reasons why not; and
(b) if consent is given—whether the franchisor’s consent is subject to one or more conditions being satisfied.
(2) A franchisor must not unreasonably withhold consent to the transfer of a franchise agreement.
Note: A franchisor may reasonably withhold consent to the transfer of a franchise agreement in the circumstances provided by subsection (6).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Consent taken to be given
(3) If the franchisor does not advise the person, in writing, that the franchisor does not consent to the transfer of the franchise agreement within 42 days of the later of:
(a) the date the request is made; and
(b) if the franchisor seeks further information—the date the last of the information is provided to the franchisor;
then:
(c) the franchisor is taken to have given consent; and
(d) that consent cannot be revoked under subsection (4).
Revoking consent
(4) Within 14 days of giving consent, the franchisor may revoke it by advising the person, in writing, that the franchisor’s consent is revoked and the reasons why consent has been revoked.
(5) A franchisor must not unreasonably revoke the franchisor’s consent to the transfer of a franchise agreement.
Note: A franchisor may reasonably revoke the franchisor’s consent to the transfer of a franchise agreement in the circumstances provided by subsection (6).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Circumstances in which franchisor’s consent may reasonably be withheld or revoked
(6) Without limiting the circumstances in which a franchisor’s consent may be reasonably withheld or revoked, a franchisor may reasonably withhold consent, or reasonably revoke consent, to the transfer of a franchise agreement in the following circumstances:
(a) the prospective franchisee is unlikely to be able to meet the financial obligations that the prospective franchisee would have under the franchise agreement;
(b) the prospective franchisee does not meet a reasonable requirement of the franchise agreement for the transfer of the franchise agreement;
(c) the prospective franchisee does not meet the selection criteria of the franchisor;
(d) the prospective franchisee does not agree, in writing, to comply with the obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreement;
(e) the franchisee has not paid or made reasonable provision to pay an amount owing to the franchisor;
(f) the franchisee has not remedied a breach of the franchise agreement.
Division 5—Termination of franchise agreements in cooling off periods
50 Termination by franchisee—cooling off periods for new franchise agreements
Cooling off period—general
(1) A franchisee may terminate a franchise agreement within 14 days after entering into the agreement, unless the franchisee has given the franchisor a written notice under subsection (7) opting out of being able to terminate the franchise agreement under this subsection.
Cooling off period—lease or occupancy of premises
(2) Subsections (3) and (4) apply if, immediately before the franchise agreement is entered into:
(a) there is a proposal that the franchisor, or an associate of the franchisor:
(i) lease premises for the franchised business to the franchisee; or
(ii) allow the franchisee to occupy premises for the franchised business under a right (an occupancy right) other than a lease; and
(b) the lease or occupancy right is not in force.
(3) The franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement within 14 days after either of the following, unless the franchisee has given the franchisor a written notice under subsection (7) opting out of being able to terminate the franchise agreement under this subsection:
(a) the day the franchisee receives from the franchisor or associate the first document setting out the terms of the proposed lease or occupancy right;
(b) if, on a later day, the franchisee receives from the franchisor or associate a document setting out the terms of the proposed lease or occupancy that are not substantially identical to the terms set out in the first document (excluding changes to the terms that were requested by the franchisee)—that later day.
(4) The franchisee may terminate the franchise agreement within 14 days after entering into the lease or being granted the occupancy right if:
(a) before entering into the lease or being granted the occupancy right, the franchisee did not receive from the franchisor or associate a document setting out terms of the proposed lease or occupancy right that are substantially identical to the actual terms of the lease or occupancy right (excluding changes to the actual terms of the lease or occupancy right that were requested by the franchisee); and
(b) the franchisee has not given the franchisor a written notice under subsection (7) opting out of being able to terminate the franchise agreement under this subsection.
Application of subsections (1), (3) and (4)
(5) Subsections (1), (3) and (4) do not limit one another.
Note: Those subsections do not provide for the franchisee to terminate another agreement with the franchisor (such as a lease of premises from the franchisor) or an agreement with anyone else.
(6) Subsections (1), (3) and (4) do not apply to:
(a) the renewal of an existing franchise agreement; or
(b) the extension of the term or scope of an existing franchise agreement; or
(c) the transfer of a franchise agreement that does not involve entry into a new franchise agreement between the prospective franchisee and the franchisor.
Note: Section 52 deals with cooling off after such a transfer.
Franchisee may opt out of cooling‑off period
(7) The franchisee may, by written notice given to the franchisor, opt out of being able to terminate the franchise agreement under subsection (1), (3) or (4) if:
(a) the franchisee has, or has recently had, another franchise agreement (the other agreement) with the franchisor that is the same or substantially the same as the franchise agreement; and
(b) the business that is the subject of the franchise agreement is the same or substantially the same as the business that is or was the subject of the other agreement.
51 Repayments by franchisor after termination by franchisee
(1) If a franchisee terminates a franchise agreement under subsection 50(1), (3) or (4), the franchisor must, within 14 days, repay all payments (whether of money or of other valuable consideration) made by the franchisee to the franchisor connected with the agreement, less any amount that may be deducted under subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) The franchisor may deduct an amount equal to the franchisor’s reasonable expenses relating to the termination if those expenses or their method of calculation are set out in the agreement.
52 Termination by franchisee—cooling off period for transferred franchise agreements
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a franchise agreement is transferred between a person (the old franchisee) who was the franchisee under the agreement and a person (the new franchisee) who becomes the franchisee for the purposes of the agreement; and
(b) the transfer does not involve a new franchise agreement being entered into by the new franchisee and the franchisor; and
(c) the new franchisee has not given the old franchisee and the franchisor a written notice under subsection (4).
Note: For a transfer that involves a new franchise agreement being entered into by the franchisor and the person to whom the transfer was made by the old franchisee, see section 50.
(2) The new franchisee may, by written notice given to the old franchisee and the franchisor before the time mentioned in subsection (3), do all of the following:
(a) cease to be the franchisee for the purposes of the agreement;
(b) if the old franchisee can become the franchisee for those purposes again—cause the old franchisee to do so;
(c) if there was an agreement (the transfer agreement) between the new franchisee and the old franchisee for the purposes of the transfer—terminate the transfer agreement.
(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), the time is the earlier of the following:
(a) the end of the period of 14 days starting on the day after the new franchisee becomes the franchisee for the purposes of the franchise agreement;
(b) the day the new franchisee takes possession and control of the franchised business.
New franchisee may opt out of cooling‑off period
(4) The new franchisee may, by written notice given to the old franchisee and the franchisor, opt out of being able to do all of the things mentioned in subsection (2) if:
(a) the franchisee has another franchise agreement (the other agreement) with the franchisor that is the same or substantially the same as the franchise agreement; and
(b) the business that is the subject of the franchise agreement is the same or substantially the same as the business that is or was the subject of the other agreement.
53 Repayments following termination by new franchisee
Application
(1) This section applies if, by notice given under subsection 52(2), a new franchisee ceases to be the franchisee for the purposes of a franchise agreement.
Repayments from franchisor to new franchisee
(2) The franchisor must, within the period of 14 days starting on the day after the notice was given, repay all payments (whether of money or of other valuable consideration) made by the new franchisee to the franchisor under the franchise agreement, less any amount that may be deducted under subsection (3).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) The franchisor may deduct an amount equal to the franchisor’s reasonable expenses relating to the new franchisee ceasing to be the franchisee if those expenses or their method of calculation are set out in the agreement.
Repayments from old franchisee to new franchisee
(4) The old franchisee must, within the period of 14 days starting on the day after the notice was given, repay all payments (whether of money or of other valuable consideration) made by the new franchisee to the old franchisee under the transfer agreement, less any amount that may be deducted under subsection (5).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(5) The old franchisee may deduct an amount equal to the old franchisee’s reasonable expenses relating to the termination of the transfer agreement if those expenses or their method of calculation are set out in the transfer agreement.
Division 6—Termination of franchise agreements other than in cooling off periods
54 Franchisee may propose termination at any time
(1) A franchisee may, at any time, give the franchisor a written proposal for termination of their franchise agreement on the terms specified in the proposal, despite the agreement. The proposal must set out the reasons for the proposed termination.
(2) If the franchisor is given a proposal under subsection (1), then, subject to subsections (3) and (4):
(a) the franchisor must give the franchisee a substantive written response to the proposal within 28 days; and
(b) if the franchisor’s response is to refuse to terminate, or to refuse to agree to terminate, the franchise agreement on the terms proposed—the response must include the reasons for the refusal.
Note 1: If the response is to refuse to terminate, or to refuse to agree to terminate, the franchise agreement on the terms proposed, a dispute may arise. Under section 70, the dispute can be dealt with under Division 2 of Part 5.
Note 2: Each party to a franchise agreement is under an obligation to act in good faith in relation to the agreement (see section 18).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) If the franchisor has given the franchisee a substantive written response to a proposal (the earlier proposal) under subsection (2), the franchisor is not required to give the franchisee another response to that proposal.
(4) However, if the franchisee gives the franchisor another written proposal (the later proposal) for termination of their franchise agreement for a different reason from the reason given for the earlier proposal, the franchisor must comply with subsection (2) in relation to the later proposal.
(5) This section is not intended to otherwise limit the rights or obligations of the franchisor or franchisee under a law of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory or under the franchise agreement.
55 Termination by franchisor—breach by franchisee
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a franchisee breaches a franchise agreement; and
(b) the breach is not a ground for termination mentioned in subsection 57(1) or 58(1); and
(c) the franchisor proposes to terminate the franchise agreement because of the breach; and
(d) the franchisee does not agree to the termination.
(2) The franchisor must give the franchisee a written notice setting out the following:
(a) that the franchisor proposes to terminate the franchise agreement because of the breach;
(b) the things the franchisor requires to be done to remedy the breach;
(c) the time (which must be a reasonable time, but need not be more than 30 days after the date of the notice) within which the franchisor requires those things to be done.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) The franchisor must not terminate the franchise agreement because of the breach if the breach has been remedied in accordance with the matters set out in the notice under paragraphs (2)(b) and (c).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) If the agreement is terminated because of the breach, Part 5 (resolving disputes) applies in relation to a dispute arising from the termination.
56 Termination by franchisor—no breach by franchisee
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a franchisor proposes to terminate a franchise agreement:
(i) in accordance with the agreement; and
(ii) other than on a ground mentioned in subsection 57(1) or 58(1); and
(iii) before it expires; and
(iv) without the consent of the franchisee; and
(b) the franchisee has not breached the agreement.
(2) For the purposes of subparagraph (1)(a)(iv), a condition of a franchise agreement that a franchisor can terminate the franchise agreement without the consent of the franchisee is not taken to be consent.
(3) The franchisor must not terminate the franchise agreement unless the franchisor has given the franchisee reasonable written notice of the proposed termination, and reasons for it.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) If the agreement is terminated as mentioned in this section, Part 5 (resolving disputes) applies in relation to a dispute arising from the termination.
57 Termination by franchisor with 7 days’ notice on grounds for which franchisee may not notify dispute
(1) This section applies if a franchise agreement gives the franchisor power to terminate the agreement on any of the following grounds:
(a) the franchisee no longer holds a licence that the franchisee must hold to carry on the franchised business;
(b) the franchisee becomes bankrupt, insolvent under administration or a Chapter 5 body corporate;
(c) the franchisee is a company that is deregistered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission;
(d) in proceedings for an order in relation to a Fair Work serious contravention of a Fair Work civil remedy provision, a court is satisfied that the franchisee has committed that serious contravention;
(e) in proceedings for a civil penalty order in relation to a contravention of section 245AAA, 245AAB or 245AAC of the Migration Act 1958, a court is satisfied that the franchisee has contravened the section concerned;
(f) the franchisee is convicted of a serious offence;
(g) the franchisee is convicted of an offence against section 245AAA, 245AAB or 245AAC of the Migration Act 1958.
Note: Section 451E of the Corporations Act may affect a franchisor’s power to terminate a franchise agreement on the ground mentioned in paragraph (1)(b).
(2) The franchisor must not terminate the agreement on a ground mentioned in subsection (1) unless the franchisor has given the franchisee 7 days’ written notice of the proposed termination and the ground for it.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
58 Termination by franchisor on grounds for which franchisee may notify dispute
(1) This section applies if a franchise agreement gives the franchisor power to terminate the agreement on any of the following grounds:
(a) the franchisee voluntarily abandons the franchised business or the franchise relationship;
(b) the franchisee operates the franchised business in a way that endangers public health or safety;
(c) the franchisee acts fraudulently in connection with the operation of the franchised business.
(2) The franchisor must give the franchisee written notice (the termination notice) of the proposed termination and the ground for it.
(3) The franchisor must not terminate the agreement before:
(a) if, within 7 days after the day the termination notice is given (the notice period), the franchisee does not give the franchisor written notice (a dispute notice) under subsection 72(1) or a corresponding provision of the franchise agreement about a dispute relating to the proposed termination—the end of the notice period; or
(b) if, within the notice period, the franchisee gives the franchisor a dispute notice—the end of 28 days after the day the dispute notice is given.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Rapid appointment of ADR practitioner or arbitrator for dispute
(4) If, within the notice period, the franchisee gives the franchisor a dispute notice:
(a) despite subsections 72(3), (4) and (5) or corresponding provisions of the franchise agreement:
(i) the franchisee may refer the matter to an ADR practitioner for an ADR process if the franchisee and franchisor do not agree promptly how to resolve the dispute; and
(ii) either the franchisee or the franchisor may request the Ombudsman to appoint an ADR practitioner for the ADR process relating to the dispute if the franchisee and franchisor do not agree promptly on who should be the ADR practitioner; and
(iii) if requested, the Ombudsman must appoint an ADR practitioner as soon as practicable; and
(b) despite paragraph 80(4)(a), the Ombudsman must appoint an arbitrator for the dispute as soon as practicable after receiving a request from the parties to the franchise agreement to do so.
59 Requiring franchisee to cease operating franchised business on termination grounds
If:
(a) a franchise agreement provides for the franchisor to take action to cause or require the franchisee not to operate all or part of the franchised business on a ground mentioned in subsection 57(1) or 58(1); and
(b) that action would involve termination of the franchise agreement by the franchisor; and
(c) the franchisor proposes to take that action;
the franchisor may, by written notice given to the franchisee, require the franchisee not to operate the business or the part of the business because of that ground.
Note: In this case, while subsections 57(2) and 58(3) prevent the franchisor from terminating the agreement before a certain time, the franchisor may, under this section, require the franchisee not to operate all or part of the franchised business.
Division 7—Miscellaneous
60 Franchisor may require only certain significant capital expenditure
(1) A franchisor must not require a franchisee to undertake significant capital expenditure in relation to a franchised business during the term of the franchise agreement, other than as permitted by subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the significant capital expenditure that the franchisor may require the franchisee to undertake is the following:
(a) significant capital expenditure disclosed to the franchisee in a disclosure document as mentioned in subsection 20(4), if the disclosure document was given to the franchisee before the most recent of the following that is applicable:
(i) entry into the agreement;
(ii) renewal of the agreement;
(iii) extension of the term of the agreement;
(iv) extension of the scope of the agreement;
(b) significant capital expenditure that is to be incurred by all or a majority of franchisees and is approved by a majority of those franchisees;
(c) significant capital expenditure incurred by the franchisee to comply with legislative obligations;
(d) significant capital expenditure agreed by the franchisee.
61 Payments to and from specific purpose funds
(1) This section applies if a franchise agreement requires the franchisee to pay money to a specific purpose fund.
Payments by franchisors
(2) If the franchisor or master franchisor operates one or more units of a franchised business, the franchisor or master franchisor must make payments to the fund on behalf of each of those units on the same basis as franchisees of other units of the franchised business.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Obligations of fund administrators
(3) The fund administrator of the fund must maintain a separate account with a financial institution for payments to the fund.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) Despite any terms of the franchise agreement, the fund administrator must use the fund only to:
(a) meet expenses:
(i) of a kind that have been disclosed to franchisees in the disclosure document in accordance with paragraph 15(1)(f) of Schedule 1; or
(ii) that are legitimate expenses for the specified purpose for the fund; or
(iii) that have been agreed to by a majority of franchisees that are required to make payments to the fund; or
(b) pay the reasonable costs of administering and auditing the fund.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
62 Franchisor not to vary franchise agreement retrospectively without franchisee’s consent
A franchisor must not vary a franchise agreement with retrospective effect unless the franchisee has given written consent to the variation.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
63 Disclosure of personal information of former franchisees
(1) A franchisor must not disclose a former franchisee’s personal information to a prospective franchisee unless:
(a) at least 14 days before doing so, the franchisor informed the former franchisee, in writing, that the former franchisee may give a written request under subsection (2); and
(b) the former franchisee has not given such a written request to the franchisor.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) A former franchisee may give a franchisor a written request that the former franchisee’s personal information not be disclosed to a prospective franchisee.
(3) A franchisor must not engage in conduct with the intention of influencing a former franchisee to make, or not make, such a request.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
64 Association of franchisees or prospective franchisees
A franchisor must not engage in conduct that would restrict or impair:
(a) a franchisee or prospective franchisee’s freedom to form an association; or
(b) a franchisee or prospective franchisee’s ability to associate with other franchisees or prospective franchisees for a lawful purpose.
Civil penalty:
(a) for a contravention by a body corporate—the amount under section 17; or
(b) for a contravention by a person who is not a body corporate—$500,000.
65 Franchisor not to require franchisee to pay franchisor’s legal costs relating to franchise agreement
(1) A franchisor or an associate of the franchisor must not require a franchisee to pay all or part of the franchisor’s costs of legal services relating to preparing, negotiating or executing a franchise agreement or documents relating to the agreement, other than as permitted under subsection (2).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(2) The franchisor may require the franchisee to make a payment, before the franchisee starts the franchised business, of a fixed amount of dollars that:
(a) is specified in the franchise agreement; and
(b) is stated in the agreement as being for the franchisor’s costs of legal services relating to preparing, negotiating or executing the agreement; and
(c) does not exceed the reasonable and genuine costs of the services mentioned in paragraph (b); and
(d) is stated in the agreement not to include any amount for the franchisor’s costs of legal services that will or may be provided, after the agreement is entered into, in relation to preparing, negotiating or executing other documents.
66 Franchisor not to require franchisee to pay costs of settling disputes
A franchisor must not require a franchisee to pay costs incurred by the franchisor in relation to settling a dispute (whether the dispute is resolved as mentioned in Part 5 or otherwise).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
67 Franchisor not to rely on restraint of trade clause if franchise agreement not renewed or extended
A franchisor must not rely on, or purport to rely on, a restraint of trade clause that would apply in the circumstances mentioned in section 42.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Part 5—Resolving disputes
Division 1—General
68 Right to bring proceedings unaffected by this Part
This Part does not affect the right of a party to a franchise agreement to bring legal proceedings, whether under the franchise agreement or otherwise.
69 Internal complaint handling procedure
A franchise agreement must provide for a complaint handling procedure that has the same effect as subsections 72(1) to (4) and section 74 except for providing for imposition of a civil penalty.
70 Resolving disputes
A party to a franchise agreement (the complainant) who has a dispute with another party to the franchise agreement (the respondent) may:
(a) take action under the agreement’s complaint handling procedure; or
(b) take action in accordance with the procedure set out in Division 2 of this Part.
Note: See also Division 3 of Part 6 in relation to new vehicle dealership agreements.
71 When a party is taken to be trying to resolve a dispute
A party will be taken to be trying to resolve a dispute if the party approaches the resolution of the dispute in a reconciliatory manner, including doing any of the following:
(a) attending and participating in meetings at reasonable times;
(b) during the dispute, not taking an action or refusing to take an action if the action or refusal would damage the reputation of the franchise system;
(c) if an ADR process is being used to try to resolve the dispute—both:
(i) making the party’s intention clear, at the beginning of the process, as to what the party is trying to achieve through the process; and
(ii) observing any obligations relating to confidentiality that apply during or after the process.
Note: For paragraph (b):
(a) an action of providing inferior goods, services, or support is an example of an action that would damage the reputation of the franchise system; and
(b) a refusal to provide goods, services, or support is an example of a refusal that would damage the reputation of the franchise system.
Division 2—Code complaint handling procedure
Subdivision A—Notification of dispute
72 Notification of dispute
(1) The complainant must give the respondent written notice of:
(a) the nature of the dispute; and
(b) what outcome the complainant wants; and
(c) what action the complainant thinks will resolve the dispute.
(2) The parties must then try to agree how to resolve the dispute.
Note: Arbitration could be one way the parties agree to resolve the dispute. In that case, Subdivision C will apply.
(3) If the parties cannot agree how to resolve the dispute within 21 days, any party may refer the matter to an ADR practitioner for an ADR process under:
(a) a franchise agreement; or
(b) this Code.
(4) If the parties cannot agree on who should be the ADR practitioner, any party may request the Ombudsman to appoint an ADR practitioner.
(5) The Ombudsman must appoint an ADR practitioner within 14 days of the request, or a corresponding request under a provision of the franchise agreement corresponding to subsection (4).
73 Similar disputes between 2 or more franchisees and one franchisor
(1) This section applies if 2 or more franchisees have similar disputes under their franchise agreements with the same franchisor.
(2) The franchisees and the franchisor may agree to resolve their disputes in the same way.
(3) For the purpose of deciding whether to agree to resolve their disputes in the same way, the franchisees may discuss their disputes with each other, despite any confidentiality requirements provided in their franchise agreements.
(4) If any of the franchisees and the franchisor cannot agree how to resolve their disputes, all of the franchisees (who cannot agree) or the franchisor may refer the matter to a single ADR practitioner in accordance with subsection 72(3) for a single ADR process for all of their disputes.
Note: Each of the disputes remains separate, even if there is a single ADR process dealing with all of them.
(5) If any of the franchisees and the franchisor cannot agree on who should be the ADR practitioner, all of the franchisees (who cannot agree) or the franchisor may request the Ombudsman in accordance with subsection 72(4) to appoint a single ADR practitioner for a single ADR process for all of their disputes.
(6) If:
(a) under subsection (4), all of the franchisees refer the matter to a single ADR practitioner for a single ADR process for all of their disputes; or
(b) under subsection (5), all of the franchisees request the appointment of a single ADR practitioner for a single ADR process for all their disputes and the appointment is made;
but the franchisor does not agree that there should be a single ADR process for all the disputes or does not agree to the appointment of the ADR practitioner, the ADR practitioner may conduct the ADR process despite the franchisor’s disagreement.
Note: If the ADR practitioner conducts the ADR process despite the franchisor’s disagreement, the franchisor is required to attend the ADR process and try to resolve the dispute (see subsections 74(3) and (4)). Section 71 (when a party is taken to be trying to resolve a dispute) applies in relation to all the parties to the disputes.
Subdivision B—ADR process
74 ADR process
Conduct of ADR process
(1) Subject to subsection (2), an ADR practitioner appointed for a dispute may decide the time and place for the ADR process for the dispute.
(2) The ADR process must be conducted in Australia and may be conducted by means of virtual attendance technology.
Attendance at ADR process
(3) Each party to the dispute must attend the ADR process.
Note: For when a party is taken to attend an ADR process, see section 75.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) The parties must try to resolve the dispute.
Note: For when a party is taken to be trying to resolve a dispute, see section 71.
ADR practitioner to notify Ombudsman of start of ADR
(5) Within 28 days after the ADR process starts, the ADR practitioner must advise the Ombudsman of that fact.
75 When a party is taken to attend an ADR process
A party to a dispute is taken to attend an ADR process for the dispute if the party is represented in the ADR process by a person who has the authority to enter an agreement to settle the dispute on behalf of the party.
76 Termination of ADR process by ADR practitioner
(1) This section applies to an ADR process for a dispute if:
(a) at least 30 days have elapsed after the day the ADR process began; and
(b) the dispute has not been resolved.
(2) The ADR practitioner for the ADR process may terminate the ADR process at any time unless satisfied that a resolution of the dispute is imminent.
(3) However, if a party asks the ADR practitioner to terminate the ADR process for the dispute and gives written reasons for the request, the ADR practitioner must terminate the ADR process to the extent that it relates to that party’s dispute.
(4) If the ADR practitioner terminates the ADR process for a dispute under this section, the ADR practitioner must issue a certificate stating:
(a) the names of the parties; and
(b) the nature of the dispute; and
(c) that the ADR process for the dispute has finished; and
(d) that the dispute has not been resolved; and
(e) the reason for terminating the ADR process for the dispute.
(5) The ADR practitioner must give a copy of the certificate to:
(a) the Ombudsman; and
(b) each of the parties to the dispute.
77 Costs of ADR process
(1) The parties to a dispute are equally liable for the costs of an ADR process under this Subdivision for the dispute (including the cost of the ADR practitioner, the cost of room hire and the cost of any additional input (including expert reports) agreed by the parties to be necessary to conduct the ADR process), unless they agree otherwise.
Note: If a single ADR process is conducted under this Subdivision for multiple disputes, this section applies separately to each of the disputes, and the costs of the ADR process for each dispute will be the part of the overall cost of the ADR process that is attributable to that dispute.
(2) The parties must pay for their own costs of attending the ADR process.
78 Ombudsman may publish franchisor’s refusal to engage in ADR process
(1) The Ombudsman may publicise, in any way that the Ombudsman thinks appropriate, either or both of the following:
(a) that a franchisor who is a party to a dispute has refused to engage in an ADR process for the dispute;
(b) that a franchisor who is a party to a dispute has withdrawn from an ADR process for the dispute.
(2) This section does not:
(a) limit the power of the Ombudsman or anyone else to publicise a matter or a person’s name; or
(b) prevent anyone else from publicising a matter or a person’s name; or
(c) affect any obligation (however imposed) on anyone else to publicise a matter or a person’s name.
Subdivision C—Arbitration
79 Arbitration by agreement for dispute resolution
The dispute between the complainant and the respondent may, by written agreement, be resolved in whole or part by arbitration. The agreement may be the franchise agreement or a separate agreement.
80 Arbitration procedure
(1) This section applies if the complainant and the respondent agree, in writing, to have a dispute resolved by arbitration conducted in accordance with this Subdivision.
Appointment of arbitrator
(2) The parties must request the Ombudsman to appoint an arbitrator for the dispute.
(3) The parties may request the Ombudsman to appoint a particular arbitrator agreed on by the parties (who may or may not be included in the list kept by the Ombudsman under paragraph 16(a)).
(4) The Ombudsman must:
(a) appoint an arbitrator within 14 days after receiving the request unless the Ombudsman is satisfied that the complaint giving rise to the dispute:
(i) is frivolous or vexatious; or
(ii) has previously been the subject of another arbitration; and
(b) if the parties have requested the Ombudsman to appoint a particular arbitrator—appoint that arbitrator; and
(c) give the parties to the dispute, in writing, details of the arbitrator appointed.
Conduct of arbitration
(5) Subject to subsection (6), the arbitrator must decide:
(a) how the arbitration is to be conducted (for example, by telephone or in meetings, including by means of virtual attendance technology); and
(b) the time and place for the arbitration; and
(c) the day the arbitration commences for the purposes of this Subdivision.
(6) The arbitration must be conducted in Australia.
Arbitrator must notify Ombudsman that arbitration has commenced
(7) Within 14 days after the arbitration has commenced, the arbitrator must notify the Ombudsman, in writing, that the arbitration has commenced and of the nature of the dispute.
Note: The arbitrator decides under paragraph (5)(c) when an arbitration commences.
Attendance at arbitration
(8) Each party to the dispute must attend the arbitration.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(9) For the purposes of subsection (8), a party is taken to attend an arbitration if the party is represented at the arbitration by a person who has the authority to enter into an agreement to settle the dispute on behalf of the party.
Arbitrator must give notice of successful arbitration
(10) If the dispute is resolved, the arbitrator must, within 14 days after the dispute is resolved:
(a) set out, in writing, the terms of the resolution; and
(b) give a copy of the terms to each party to the dispute; and
(c) notify the Ombudsman that the dispute has been resolved.
81 Termination of arbitration by arbitrator
(1) The arbitrator conducting an arbitration of a dispute in accordance with this Subdivision must terminate the arbitration if all parties to the dispute jointly request the arbitrator to do so.
(2) If the arbitrator terminates an arbitration under subsection (1), the arbitrator must issue a certificate stating:
(a) the names of the parties to the arbitration; and
(b) the nature of the dispute that was the subject of the arbitration; and
(c) that the arbitration has been terminated; and
(d) that the dispute has not been resolved.
(3) The arbitrator must give a copy of the certificate to:
(a) the Ombudsman; and
(b) each party to the dispute.
82 Costs of arbitration
(1) Each party to a dispute that was the subject of an arbitration in accordance with this Subdivision must pay half of all reasonable costs (if any) associated with the conduct of the arbitration, unless the parties to the arbitration agree otherwise.
(2) However, each party to a dispute that was the subject of an arbitration in accordance with this Subdivision must pay that party’s costs of attending the arbitration, unless the parties agree otherwise.
Subdivision D—Confidentiality
83 Confidentiality requirements
The complainant and respondent must observe any confidentiality requirements relating to information disclosed or obtained in dealing with or resolving the dispute by an ADR process or arbitration.
Part 6—New vehicle dealership agreements
Division 1—Preliminary
84 Application of Part
This Part applies to new vehicle dealership agreements.
Note: In this Part, a reference to a franchise agreement is a reference to a new vehicle dealership agreement.
Division 2—End of term obligations
Note: Subdivision B of Division 2 of Part 4 does not apply to new vehicle dealership agreements (see section 35).
85 Notification obligation—franchisor
(1) The franchisor of a franchise agreement must notify the franchisee, in writing, whether the franchisor intends to:
(a) extend the agreement; or
(b) enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee; or
(c) neither extend the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee.
(2) If the term of the agreement is 12 months or longer, the franchisor’s notice must be given:
(a) at least 12 months before the end of the term of the agreement; or
(b) if the parties to the agreement agree on a later time—before that later time.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) If the term of the agreement is less than 12 months, the franchisor’s notice must be given:
(a) if the term of the agreement is 6 months or longer—at least 6 months before the end of the term of the agreement; and
(b) if the term of the agreement is less than 6 months—at least 1 month before the end of the term of the agreement.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(4) If the franchisor intends to enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee, the franchisor’s notice must include a statement to the effect that, subject to subsection 32(2), the franchisee may request a disclosure document under section 32.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(5) If the franchisor gives a notice that the franchisor intends to neither extend the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee, the notice must include the reasons for the franchisor’s intention.
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
86 Notification obligation—franchisee
(1) The franchisee of a franchise agreement must notify the franchisor, in writing, whether the franchisee intends to:
(a) renew the agreement; or
(b) enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisor; or
(c) neither extend the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisor.
(2) If the term of the agreement is 12 months or longer, the franchisee’s notice must be given:
(a) at least 12 months before the end of the term of the agreement; or
(b) if the parties to the agreement agree on a later time—before that later time.
(3) If the term of the agreement is less than 12 months, the franchisee’s notice must be given:
(a) if the term of the agreement is 6 months or longer—at least 6 months before the end of the term of the agreement; and
(b) if the term of the agreement is less than 6 months—at least 1 month before the end of the term of the agreement.
(4) If the franchisee gives a notice to the franchisor that the franchisee intends to neither renew the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisor, the notice must include the reasons for the franchisee’s intention.
87 Obligation to manage winding down of agreement
(1) This section applies if:
(a) under section 85, the franchisor gives the franchisee a notice that the franchisor intends to neither extend the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisee; or
(b) under section 86, the franchisee gives the franchisor a notice that the franchisee intends to neither renew the agreement nor enter into a new franchise agreement with the franchisor.
(2) The franchisor and franchisee must, as soon as practicable, cooperate to develop and implement a written plan (with milestones) for managing the winding down of the dealership, including how the franchisee’s stock (including new road vehicles, spare parts and service and repair equipment) will be managed over the remaining term of the agreement.
Note: Each party to a franchise agreement is under an obligation to act in good faith in relation to the agreement (see section 18).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
Division 3—Resolving disputes
88 Franchisees may request multi‑franchisee dispute resolution
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a franchisor has entered into franchise agreements with 2 or more franchisees; and
(b) 2 or more of the franchisees each have a dispute of the same nature with the franchisor.
(2) Two or more of the franchisees mentioned in paragraph (1)(b) may ask the franchisor to deal with the franchisees together about the dispute.
Note: See also Part 5 (resolving disputes).
Part 7—Franchise Disclosure Register
Division 1—Keeping and content of Register
89 Chairperson to keep Register
(1) The Chairperson must keep the Register.
(2) The Register must be kept by electronic means.
(3) The Register must be made available for public inspection, without charge, on the internet.
90 Contents of Register
Information that the Register must contain
(1) The Register must contain the information that is required to be provided by a franchisor under Division 2.
Information that the Register may contain
(2) The Register may contain other information provided by a franchisor if:
(a) the information relates to the franchise system of the franchisor or is relevant to prospective franchisees or existing franchisees of a franchise agreement; and
(b) the information is not information mentioned in subsection (3).
(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2)(b), the information is any of the following:
(a) personal information that relates to an individual other than the franchisor;
(b) information that relates to a particular franchisee of the franchisor;
(c) information that relates to a particular site being occupied by a franchisee of the franchisor.
Register may contain only certain documents provided by franchisors
(4) The Register may only contain the following documents that are provided by a franchisor:
(a) the standard form of the franchise agreement used by the franchisor;
(b) a logo of the franchisor.
Note: Before a document is provided for inclusion in the Register certain information must be redacted from the document (see Division 3).
91 Chairperson may correct clerical errors and remove, update and replace certain information and documents
(1) The Chairperson may correct, or cause to be corrected, any clerical errors or obvious mistakes in the Register.
(2) The Chairperson must remove or replace a document or information that is included in the Register by a franchisor if:
(a) the Chairperson receives a request from the franchisor asking for the document or information to be removed because the franchisor has ceased to operate a franchise or franchise system; or
(b) the franchisor gives information to replace information included in the Register; or
(c) the franchisor gives a document to replace a document included in the Register.
(3) The Chairperson may remove a document or information included in the Register by a franchisor if:
(a) the document or information has been in the Register for a period of at least 18 months; and
(b) during that period the franchisor has not:
(i) given another document to replace the document included in the Register; or
(ii) updated the information included in the Register; or
(iii) notified the Chairperson that the document or information included in the Register remains current.
(4) The Chairperson may remove from the Register a document or information included in the Register by a franchisor if the document contains, or the information is:
(a) information mentioned in subsection 90(3); or
(b) information of a kind determined under subsection (5).
(5) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, determine kinds of information for the purposes of paragraph (4)(b).
Division 2—Obligation to provide information for inclusion in the Register
92 Initial obligation to provide information for inclusion in Register
Franchisors to which this section applies
(1) This section applies to a franchisor if:
(a) the franchisor is proposing to enter into a franchise agreement with a prospective franchisee; and
(b) the franchisor is required to give the prospective franchisee a copy of the disclosure document relating to the franchise under section 23; and
(c) the franchisor has not previously provided information relating to the franchise for inclusion in the Register under:
(i) this section; or
(ii) clause 53C or 53D of Schedule 1 to the old regulations; and
(d) if the franchisor is the master franchisor in a master franchise system—the master franchise system has 2 or more subfranchisors.
Obligation to provide information
(2) The franchisor must, in accordance with subsection (3), provide the following information for inclusion in the Register:
(a) the name of the franchisor;
(b) the name under which the franchisor carries on business in Australia relevant to the franchise;
(c) if the franchisor has an ABN—the franchisor’s ABN;
(d) the address, or addresses, of the franchisor’s registered office and principal place of business in Australia;
(e) the business telephone number and email address of the franchisor;
(f) the ANZSIC division and subdivision codes for the industry in which the business operated under the franchise operates;
(g) any information required to be provided to the Chairperson under a determination under subsection (4).
Note: Persons other than the franchisor may provide the information on behalf of the franchisor (see Division 4).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) The information must be provided:
(a) in a form and manner approved by the Chairperson in writing; and
(b) at least 14 days before the franchisor enters into the franchise agreement with the prospective franchisee.
Additional information franchisors may be required to provide to the Chairperson
(4) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, determine that each or a specified franchisor must provide to the Chairperson information that is required to be included in a disclosure document created by the franchisor that is not information mentioned in subsection 90(3).
Note 1: For specification of one or more classes of franchisors, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 2: Section 20 of this instrument requires certain information to be included in a disclosure document.
93 Obligation to annually update or confirm information included in Register
Franchisors to which this section applies
(1) This section applies to a franchisor if:
(a) information is included, or was required to be included, in the Register under:
(i) section 92; or
(ii) clause 53C or 53D of Schedule 1 to the old regulations; and
(b) if the franchisor is the master franchisor in a master franchise system—the master franchise system has 2 or more subfranchisors.
Obligation to update or confirm information
(2) The franchisor must, in accordance with subsection (3), do the following:
(a) if information included by the franchisor in the Register remains current—confirm that the information is correct;
(b) to the extent that the following information is incorrect, out‑of‑date or has not previously been provided by the franchisor for inclusion in the Register—provide or update the information mentioned in subsection 92(2):
(c) provide any information required to be provided to the Chairperson under a determination under subsection (4) of this section.
Note: Persons other than the franchisor may provide the information on behalf of the franchisor (see Division 4).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) The information must be provided:
(a) in a form and manner approved by the Chairperson in writing; and
(b) either:
(i) unless subparagraph (ii) applies—at least once for each financial year;
(ii) if the franchisor was required by section 92 to provide information for inclusion in the Register for a franchise agreement the franchisor is proposing to enter into—at least once for each financial year that ends after the day the franchisor enters into the franchise agreement; and
(c) on or before the 14th day of the fifth month following the end of the financial year.
Franchisors may be required to provide information to the Chairperson
(4) The Secretary may, by legislative instrument, determine that each or a specified franchisor must provide to the Chairperson information that is required to be included in a disclosure document created by the franchisor that is not information mentioned in subsection 90(3).
Note 1: For specification of one or more classes of franchisors, see subsection 13(3) of the Legislation Act 2003.
Note 2: Section 20 of this instrument requires certain information to be included in a disclosure document.
Division 3—Redacting certain information from documents
94 Redacting certain information from documents
(1) This section applies to a franchisor if the franchisor is providing for inclusion in the Register:
(a) a document referred to in subsection 90(4); or
(b) a link to a website that publishes such a document.
(2) Before the franchisor provides the document or link for inclusion in the Register, the franchisor must redact from the document information mentioned in subsection 90(3).
Civil penalty: 600 penalty units.
(3) Before the franchisor provides the document or link for inclusion in the Register, the franchisor may redact from the document information that is of a commercial nature and is commercially sensitive.
Division 4—Giving of information by agents
95 Agents may provide or give information
A franchisor required under a section in Division 2 to provide or give information is taken to have complied with the requirement if someone else provides or gives the information in accordance with the section on the franchisor’s behalf.
Division 5—Other matters
96 Delegations by Secretary
(1) The Secretary may, in writing, delegate all or any of the Secretary’s functions or powers under this Part to an SES employee in the Department:
(a) with a classification of SES Band 3; or
(b) acting in a position usually occupied by an SES employee who is so classified.
Note: Sections 34AA to 34A of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901 contain provisions relating to delegations.
(2) In performing a delegated function or exercising a delegated power, the delegate must comply with any written directions of the Secretary.
(3) The Secretary may, in writing, give directions for the purposes of subsection (2).
96A Delegations by Chairperson
(1) The Chairperson may, in writing, delegate all or any of the Chairperson’s functions or powers under this Part to an SES employee, or acting SES employee, in the Commission.
(2) In performing a delegated function or exercising a delegated power, the delegate must comply with any written directions of the Chairperson.
(3) The Chairperson may, in writing, give directions for the purposes of subsection (2).
Chapter 3—Application, saving and transitional provisions
Part 1—Provisions relating to this instrument as made
97 Application of this instrument—agreements entered into etc. on or after 1 April 2025
General
(1) Subject to this section and subsection 99(4), this instrument applies to:
(a) a franchise agreement entered into, transferred, renewed or extended on or after 1 April 2025, on and after the day the agreement is entered into, transferred, renewed or extended; and
(b) conduct engaged in on or after 1 April 2025, in relation to such an agreement.
Ombudsman’s power to publish franchisor’s refusal to engage in ADR process
(2) Section 78 applies in relation to conduct of a franchisor occurring on or after 1 April 2025, in relation to a franchise agreement entered into, transferred, renewed or extended on or after 1 January 2015.
Delayed application—compensation for early termination, and reasonable opportunity for return on investment, for certain agreements
(3) Sections 43 and 44 do not apply to an agreement entered into, transferred, renewed or extended before 1 November 2025.
Delayed application—provisions relating to specific purpose funds that are not marketing or other cooperative funds
(4) Subsections (5) and (6) apply in relation to a specific purpose fund that is not a marketing fund or other cooperative fund controlled or administered by or for a franchisor or a master franchisor (whether the franchisee is a franchisee or subfranchisee of the franchisor or master franchisor).
(5) Section 31 (financial statements) and section 61 (payments to and from funds) do not apply in relation to the fund before 1 November 2025.
(6) Despite subsections 20(1) and (3), a disclosure document created before 1 November 2025 is not required to include the information mentioned in item 15 of Schedule 1 for the fund.
Delayed application—information on significant capital expenditure
(7) Despite subsections 20(1), (3) and (4), a disclosure document created before 1 November 2025 is not required to include the information mentioned in item 14(1A) or 14(1B) of Schedule 1.
98 Saving and application of old regulations—agreements existing on 1 April 2025
(1) Despite the repeal of the old regulations on 1 April 2025, the old regulations, as in force immediately before that day, continue to apply in relation to:
(a) a franchise agreement existing immediately before that day that continues to exist on that day, until the agreement is terminated or otherwise ceases to exist, or is transferred, renewed or extended;
(b) conduct relating to such an agreement, engaged in on or after 1 April 2025.
(2) To avoid doubt, paragraph (1)(b) does not apply to conduct relating to the transfer, renewal or extension of such an agreement.
Note: For conduct engaged in on or after 1 April 2025 relating to the transfer, renewal or extension of such an agreement, see subsection 97(1).
99 Transitional arrangements relating to certain disclosure documents given before 1 April 2025
(1) This section applies to a disclosure document given to a prospective franchisee before 1 April 2025 for the purposes of clause 9 of Schedule 1 to the old regulations, for a franchise agreement proposed to be entered into, transferred, renewed or extended on or after 1 April 2025.
(2) The disclosure document:
(a) is taken to be a disclosure document for the purposes of subsection 20(1) of this instrument; and
(b) is taken to have been given to the prospective franchisee for the purposes of subsection 23(2) or 23(3) of this instrument (as the case requires).
(3) Despite the repeal of the old regulations on 1 April 2025, subclauses 8(6) and (7) of Schedule 1 to the old regulations, as in force immediately before that day, continue to apply in relation to the disclosure document until the end of 31 October 2025.
(4) Section 21 of this instrument does not apply to the disclosure document before 1 November 2025.
Note: Example 1: If a financial year in relation to a franchisor and a franchise ends before 1 November 2025, the franchisor must update the disclosure document in accordance with subclause 8(6) of Schedule 1 to the old regulations. Section 21 of this instrument applies to the disclosure document for every financial year that follows.
Note: Example 2: If a financial year in relation to a franchisor and a franchise ends on or after 1 November 2025, the franchisor must update the disclosure document at the end of that financial year, and any financial years that follow, in accordance with section 21 of this instrument.
100 Transitional arrangements relating to specific purpose funds that are marketing or other cooperative funds—deemed compliance
(1) This section applies during the period beginning on 1 April 2025 and ending at the end of 31 October 2025 in relation to a specific purpose fund that is a marketing fund or other cooperative fund controlled or administered by or for the franchisor or a master franchisor (whether the franchisee is a franchisee or subfranchisee of the franchisor or master franchisor).
Financial statements
(2) The fund administrator is taken to have complied with subsection 31(2) of this instrument in relation to the fund if the fund administrator complies with subclauses 15(2) and (4) of Schedule 1 to the old regulations in relation to the fund.
Payments to and from funds
(3) A franchisor or master franchisor is taken to have complied with subsection 61(2) of this instrument in relation to the fund if the franchisor or master franchisor complies with subclause 31(3) of Schedule 1 to the old regulations in relation to the fund.
(4) The fund administrator is taken to have complied with subsection 61(3) of this instrument in relation to the fund if the fund administrator complies with subclause 31(2) of Schedule 1 to the old regulations in relation to the fund.
(5) The fund administrator is taken to have complied with subsection 61(4) of this instrument in relation to the fund if the fund administrator complies with subclause 31(4) of Schedule 1 to the old regulations in relation to the fund.
Disclosure documents
(6) For the purposes of subsections 20(1) and (3) of this instrument, a disclosure document is taken to comply with item 15 of Schedule 1 to this instrument in relation to the fund if the disclosure document complies with item 15 of Annexure 1 to Schedule 1 to the old regulations in relation to the fund.
101 Saving of Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) (Additional Information Required by the Secretary) Determination 2022
Despite the repeal of the old regulations on 1 April 2025, the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) (Additional Information Required by the Secretary) Determination 2022, as in force immediately before that day, continues in force, and has effect for the purposes of section 92 of this instrument, as if:
(a) the reference in the definition of Franchising Code of Conduct in section 4 of that determination to Schedule 1 to the old regulations were a reference to Chapter 2 of this instrument; and
(b) the references in subsection 6(1) of that determination to subclause 53D(4) and clause 53D were references to subsection 92(4) and section 92; and
(c) the references in section 7 of that determination to items of Annexure 1 to the Franchising Code of Conduct were references to items of Schedule 1 to this instrument.
Part 2—Provisions relating to the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Amendment (Franchise Disclosure Register) Regulations 2025
102 Saving of Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) (Approved Form and Manner) Instrument 2025
The Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) (Approved Form and Manner) Instrument 2025 that was in force under paragraphs 92(3)(a) and 93(3)(a) of this instrument immediately before the commencement of this item continues in force (and may be dealt with) on and after that commencement as if:
(a) the reference in the definition of Franchise Disclosure Register online portal in section 4 of that instrument to the Department were a reference to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission; and
(b) it had been made under those paragraphs as amended by the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Amendment (Franchise Disclosure Register) Regulations 2025.
103 Saving of Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) (Additional Information Required by the Secretary) Determination 2022
The Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) (Additional Information Required by the Secretary) Determination 2022 that was in force under subsection 92(4) of this instrument immediately before the commencement of this item continues in force (and may be dealt with) on and after that commencement as if:
(a) the reference in subsection 6(1) of that determination to the Secretary were a reference to the Chairperson; and
(b) it had been made under that subsection as amended by the Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Franchising) Amendment (Franchise Disclosure Register) Regulations 2025.