Posted by Elizabeth Gore-Jones
on 15 February 2024
Today, the ACCC issued a media release about designated complaints legislation that has been introduced into Parliament.
Under the proposed legislation, certain consumer and business advocacy groups will be approved by the relevant minister to make designated complaints to the ACCC. Amongst other things, the complaints must be significant or a systematic market issue that affects consumers or small businesses in Australia relating to a breach of the Competition and Consumer Act.
The ACCC has given some examples of matters they have investigated as a result of issues referred to it by consumer and business advocacy groups which include the matter of Megasave Couriers Australia where the company and its sole director were ordered to pay penalties totaling in excess of $2 million and $500,000 for false or misleading representations about guaranteed minimum weekly payments and guaranteed annual income which were made to prospective franchisees.
That matter came to the ACCC’s attention by a franchisee complaint and a referral through the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
You can read more here.
The ASBFEO is responsible for the appointment of mediators in the event that a franchisor and a franchisee cannot agree upon the mediator and have a certain role with respect to disputes or complaints relating to franchise systems.
If you want to ensure that your business complies with regulatory changes, our experienced team at The Franchise and Business Lawyers is here to guide you. Contact us today.
