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The ACCC crackdown on Franchisors in 2026

The ACCC crackdown on Franchisors in 2026

April 2, 2026

Sanicki Lawyers

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2 April 2026

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The ACCC has announced its priority this year on cracking down on franchisors who do not meet transparency and disclosure obligations.

The ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh indicated the ACCC was given an additional $7.1 million in funding to increase monitoring of information given by franchisors on the Franchise Disclosure Register and strengthen compliance and enforcement in the sector.

The ACCC aims to prevent an “undermining” of the Franchise Register where franchisors do not disclose information that is accurate and complies with the Franchising Code of Conduct. Mick Keogh stated that franchisors not meeting their obligations will now face the risk of penalties.

Three Franchisors Fined

Three major franchisors have already incurred fines. Harvey Norman was fined nearly $16,000 for failing to include mandatory information on the Register before entering into an agreement with a franchisee in July 2024 and Cash Converters and Mobile Travel Agents, were also hit with $16,500 fines in 2025 for failing to annually update or confirm information on the Register.

More Regulation likely it seems!

Keogh is urging the government to implement a licensing regime for unethical franchisors blatantly disregarding the law which would allow the ACCC to suspend a franchisor’s licence “where there’s sufficient evidence to suggest that harm is occurring”.

This is a huge step as the ACCC powers at present are limited to pursue franchisors if the law has been broken, after the harm has been done!

Another grim message for Franchisors

Even with all the regulation in place the ACCC still urges franchisees to seek legal advice before they commit.

At Sanicki Lawyers we advise franchisors on their compliance obligations, on establishing their franchise system and maintaining their compliance.

We also advise franchisees and can check if the franchisor is on the Franchise Register and if the information on the register is current and aligns with the franchisor’s disclosure statement, before they commit.

Contact

Sanicki Lawyers Specialist Franchise Licensing & Distribution Group:

Robert Toth, Special Counsel I Accredited Commercial & Franchise Law Specialist | robert@sanickilawyers.com.au | Mobile +61 412 673 757

Patrick McKinlay | Lawyer
patrick@sanickilawyers.com.au | Mobile +61 405 313 026

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