Dealer body flags customer data ownership as government opens consultation on unfair contract terms

Mar 2, 2026 | 6 min read | 1,079 words | Share article

Mike Sinclair

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Mike Sinclair has been testing and writing about cars, motorcycles and more for over 30 years. He was a key executive team member when ACP Media and Carsales formed Australia's leading automotive, industrial, marine and motorcycle online network in the 2000s, and the driving force behind the launch of motoring.com.au. For two decades, Mike led the large multimedia and editorial team at Carsales, and all PR and corporate communications. Mike now consults with a number of key brands on a range of automotive and powersports opportunities.

The Albanese Government has opened consultation on extending the ban on unfair contract terms to franchised new car dealers. AADA CEO James Voortman tells TheAutoExec what it means – and what the association say is still missing.

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s announcement of a consultation to extend the ban on unfair contract terms to all franchisees – including the nearly 4,000 new car dealers the AADA represents.

It’s a step the AADA has been pushing for across multiple Senate inquiries and Federal Court cases. But the real story isn’t the consultation itself. It’s

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Mike Sinclair

Connect with Mike

Mike Sinclair has been testing and writing about cars, motorcycles and more for over 30 years. He was a key executive team member when ACP Media and Carsales formed Australia's leading automotive, industrial, marine and motorcycle online network in the 2000s, and the driving force behind the launch of motoring.com.au. For two decades, Mike led the large multimedia and editorial team at Carsales, and all PR and corporate communications. Mike now consults with a number of key brands on a range of automotive and powersports opportunities.

Recent articles by Mike

Popular articles

In the trenches: How NVES is reshaping Kia Australia’s competitive playbook

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The side project that changed BMW: what Stella Clarke’s E Ink story tells us about innovation inside an OEM.

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Dealers don’t need more protection, says industry peak body

Dealer body flags customer data ownership as government opens consultation on unfair contract terms

Dealer body flags customer data ownership as government opens consultation on unfair contract terms

These are the ten most influential car brands in Australia. Do you agree?

These are the ten most influential car brands in Australia. Do you agree?

The Automotive industry believes in its future. Its leaders aren’t so sure they’ll be part of it

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Here’s why carmakers no longer want Apple CarPlay: in-car advertising market to be worth $990bn globally by 2030

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