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Government Proposes New Bill to Target Unfair Trading Practices Affecting Consumers
In April 2026 the Australian Government introduced the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair Trading Practices)...
Stephen is one of Australia’s leading franchise lawyers, having acted for clients in the franchise industry for over 40 years. Not only that, he has extensive commercial experience in franchising.
While serving on the board of directors of one of Australia’s largest franchise companies for over 10 years, Stephen played an integral role in developing the business from just a few franchisees to over 1,000 franchisees across Australia and New Zealand.
As a result, Stephen is in the unique position of providing advice and assistance using both his extensive business experience and his considerable experience as a franchise lawyer over the last 40 years.
Stephen has assisted many well-known Australian brands to franchise their businesses, providing not only legal but relevant and experiential commercial advice.
In addition to his commercial expertise, Stephen is an accredited mediator and a highly experienced litigator. Stephen appeared before the High Court of Australia in the leading misleading and deceptive conduct case of Yorke v Lucas [1985] HCA 65 and has acted in a number of other significant High Court cases.
Stephen is a member of the Law Society of South Australia. He has lectured in franchise law and has presented papers in contract law. Stephen was awarded Australian Franchise Lawyer of the Year in 2016 by Lawyer Monthly.
Ana has been working for clients in the franchise industry for 30 years, advising on a wide range of franchise and commercial matters.
Ana assists clients with franchise agreements, disclosure documents, franchise compliance, business sales and purchases, dispute resolution and commercial negotiations. She is known for her clear communication, strategic approach and commitment to helping clients navigate complex legal issues with confidence.
Ana has been involved in litigation at all levels of the Australian judicial system, including the High Court of Australia.
Ana has presented papers in franchise law, particularly in dispute resolution and insolvency. Her submission to the 2018 inquiry into the operation and effectiveness of the Franchising Code of Conduct helped to enact changes in that Code.
As part of a firm with more than 40 years of experience in franchise law, Ana combines strong legal knowledge with an understanding of the commercial challenges faced by businesses in the franchise industry. Her approach is focused on delivering practical solutions, managing risk and protecting long-term business interests.
James is a legal consultant at Haarsma Lawyers, a role in which he aids in commercial and franchise matters.
He is currently studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Media and Communication at Adelaide University. These two degrees have given him strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
He has worked at a law clinic, advising clients in minor civil and criminal matters, and has also spent time as a journalist.
James is particularly interested in the ways that the law and the media interconnect and is passionate about intellectual property law and defamation law.
In April 2026 the Australian Government introduced the Competition and Consumer Amendment (Unfair...
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