Newsagents unhappy with their franchise (marketing) group could turn to the ACCC for relief. The ACCC has oversight of the Franchising Code of Conduct. The Franchising Code of Conduct is a mandatory industry code of conduct that has the force of law under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (the Act). It is through using the provisions of this code that newsagents could have a dispute with their franchisor dealt with is structured way.
Sometimes, newsagents locked in a long term contract feel that they have nowhere to go to seek relief. It could be than a complaint to the appropriate office of the ACCC shines enough light on an issue for it to be resolved satisfactorily.
I am aware of newsagents who have used this process with success, achieving a departure from a franchise agreement which had been previously denied them.
Depending on your specific circumstances a long term franchise agreement does not necessarily have to be a long term franchise agreement.