As of 1 July 2024, a number of significant legal changes have come into effect in Australia, impacting various aspects of business operations. As experts in business and commercial law, specialising in franchising, we provide an overview of some of these changes, their implications, and actionable advice for businesses to ensure compliance and leverage new opportunities.

In January 2024 the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a groundbreaking ban on non-compete clauses in a move designed they believe to increase employment market competition and worker mobility. This significant policy shift could have a ripple effect internationally, potentially influencing employment practices and legal frameworks in other countries, including Australia.

Given the current Albanese government’s views on this area, there is a strong possibility that similar reforms could be considered in Australia.

If you haven't already, you need to review your standard form contracts - as from 9th November 2023, big changes happen where it may be illegal to have an unfair term in your standard form contracts!

For those that reviewed their contracts a few years ago for unfair terms, this is not enough as the above illegality change and court interpretations since the unfair terms laws first came out have arguably made the approach to these terms very different.

If you're a part of our vibrant $170 billion franchising sector, this information is for you. Minister for Small Business Julie Collins has announced an independent review of the Franchising Code of Conduct, with an opportunity for those within the franchising sector to have their say.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has recently announced its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2023-24. While Cartel conduct, anti-competitive conduct, product safety, vulnerable/disadvantaged consumers, and first nation matters will always be a priority, a particular focus is also on consumer and competition issues in essential services, environmental claims and sustainability, scam detection, unfair terms, the digital economy, financial services, and other critical areas.

ChatGPT is a sophisticated artificial intelligence technology (A.I) developed by OpenAI, which is designed to generate human-like responses to natural language queries. While this technology has numerous benefits, it also presents legal risks that companies should be aware of to protect themselves from potential legal liabilities.

CODE CHANGES & REMINDERS – WITH A BITE!

This will help tell you what the ACCC headlights will be flashing on. Avoid any nasty surprises, make sure you are good to go so you can focus on what you do best –running and growing your business!

You may not know this, but all Disclosure Documents issued by franchisors on or after 1st November 2021, must be updated to reflect the new Franchising Code of Conduct changes.