Introducing the AADA Business Series at AADA 2026

From Australian Consumer Law and manufacturer-related consumer guarantee claims to merger notification reform and acquisition planning, the rules affecting franchised new car dealers are changing – and the consequences are real.

That is why the AADA Business Series is being introduced at the 2026 AADA Convention & Expo.

New for 2026, the AADA Business Series will give dealers access to focused, practical sessions on the legal, regulatory and commercial issues shaping dealership operations.

This is not theory.

It is about helping dealers understand the issues that can affect business decisions, risk, growth, profitability and long-term planning.

A New Program Addition for AADA 2026

The AADA Business Series has been created to bring a sharper focus to the business issues sitting behind dealership performance.

While the Main Stage will explore major industry themes, and the Workshop Series will cover practical operational topics, the Business Series will focus on the legal and regulatory questions that can have a direct impact on dealership owners, executives and senior managers.

For dealers navigating reform, compliance, acquisitions, disputes or changing commercial obligations, these sessions will provide timely and relevant insight.

The 2026 AADA Business Series will feature two focused sessions:

Mandatory Merger Notification Regime
Presented by AADA in partnership with HWL Ebsworth

How the ACL is Failing New Car Dealers and What We Can Do About It
Presented by AADA in partnership with Macpherson Kelley Lawyers

Together, these sessions address two of the most important legal and regulatory issues currently facing Australia’s franchised new car dealers.

Mandatory Merger Notification Regime

Australia’s new Mandatory Merger Notification Regime commenced on 1 January 2026, introducing ACCC notification and clearance requirements for certain mergers and acquisitions.

For automotive retail, this is a significant development.

Dealership transactions are a normal part of the industry’s evolution. Dealer groups acquire, merge, consolidate and restructure for many reasons, including succession planning, growth, scale, brand representation and local market strategy.

But AADA has raised concerns about the potential effect of the new regime on dealership mergers and acquisitions.

AADA believes the new merger regime is likely to capture the overwhelming majority of dealership mergers or acquisitions, creating additional cost and complexity for an industry that is not concentrated and is characterised by strong inter-brand and intra-brand competition.

AADA is actively engaging with Treasury and commissioning research to demonstrate the potential impact of the regime on the automotive industry.

The Mandatory Merger Notification Regime session will give dealers a practical overview of what has changed, when obligations may arise, why early planning matters and what AADA-commissioned research may reveal about the effect of the reforms on franchised new car dealers.

The session will feature:

Matthew Hawkes, Head of Public Affairs, AADA
Melissa Dimovski, Director of Policy & Advocacy, AADA
Justin Pasa, Partner, HWL Ebsworth
Maria Townsend, Partner, HWL Ebsworth

Dealers considering a merger or acquisition should seek appropriate legal or professional advice early. This session will help business owners understand why that planning matters.

How the ACL is Failing New Car Dealers

The Australian Consumer Law continues to create significant practical and financial pressure for new car dealers.

This is especially true where consumer guarantee claims involve manufacturer-related faults, vehicle features, performance claims, major failure disputes, refund and replacement obligations, dealer liability and manufacturer indemnification.

AADA has been actively advocating for dealers in relation to Australian Consumer Law and the way the current framework affects franchised new car dealerships.

Dealers are often the business standing in front of the customer, even where the issue may relate to the manufacturer, product design, vehicle performance, software, parts availability or broader supply chain factors outside the dealer’s control.

That creates a difficult and often costly position for dealer businesses.

The How the ACL is Failing New Car Dealers and What We Can Do About It session will examine why the current framework can leave dealers exposed and what business owners should understand as regulatory scrutiny and market complexity continue to increase.

Presented in partnership with Macpherson Kelley Lawyers, this session will feature:

Matthew Hawkes, Head of Public Affairs, AADA
Kathy Zdravevski, General Counsel, AADA
Mick McKenna, Director of Industry and State Affairs, AADA
Stefanie Orlando, Principal Lawyer, Macpherson Kelley
Hamish Glaspole, Litigation and Dispute Resolution Lawyer, Macpherson Kelley

This session will give dealers a clear and practical overview of key ACL challenges, the risks facing dealership businesses and the reform discussion AADA is continuing to pursue on behalf of dealers.

Why Dealers Should Attend

The AADA Business Series is designed for dealer principals, owners, executives, general managers and senior leaders who need to understand the legal and regulatory forces affecting dealership businesses.

These sessions are especially relevant for dealers who are:

considering acquisitions, mergers, restructures or succession planning
managing consumer guarantee claims and ACL exposure
seeking a clearer view of dealer liability and manufacturer indemnification
monitoring reform, compliance and regulatory risk
looking for practical legal and policy insight from AADA and specialist legal partners

In a changing market, business owners need more than commercial instinct.

They need clear information, practical guidance and a strong understanding of the risks and obligations shaping dealer operations.

That is the purpose of the AADA Business Series.

Join Us at AADA 2026

The 2026 AADA Convention & Expo will take place on 29–30 July at ICC Sydney, bringing together Australia’s franchised new car dealer network for two days of insight, connection and industry discussion.

New for 2026, the AADA Business Series will add an important legal and regulatory dimension to the program, giving dealers practical insight into issues that can directly affect business decisions and dealership performance.

Early-Bird pricing ends this Friday, so now is the time to review the full program and secure your place at AADA 2026.

Join us at AADA 2026 and take part in the first AADA Business Series.