The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC)  is helping the franchising sector to understand the new Franchising Code of Conduct ahead of its January 1 start date by hosting a free online webinar on December 9.

From January 1 2015, the current Franchising Code will be repealed and replaced with a new Code which will apply to all franchise systems operating in Australia.

The webinar will provide a general overview of the new Code and cover the ACCC’s approach to enforcing the Code. Participants will also be able to ask questions.

“With the new Franchising Code due to start in the new year, it is important that franchisors, franchisees and prospective franchisees understand their rights and responsibilities under the Code,” ACCC deputy chair, Dr Michael Schaper, said.

The ACCC’s enforcement priorities under the new Code will include failure to act in good faith, failure to provide a disclosure document, refusal to attend mediation, and the unlawful termination of a franchise agreement.

“There will not be a moratorium period on enforcement action; however, the ACCC will be focusing on particularly egregious conduct.

“As always, the ACCC will take a common sense approach to enforcing the Code,” Dr Schaper said.

To register for the webinar, click here.