Ann: Class Action Settlement, page-39

Read the amended claim and defence. The key point of contention was whether brokerage fee is considered interest charge.  

CCV argued that there is charges related to franchisee assessing the borrower and doing all the paperwork and training staff to assess the borrower and etc. That is where a brokerage fee is levied against the borrower. The brokerage fee is between the franchisee and the customer.

On the other hand, there is a separate loan agreement between the borrower and CCV. Under this agreement, CCV agreed to loan the money to he borrower under the recommendation of the broker at 48% interest rate. That didn't contravene the 48% max rate under Queensland law.

Maurice Blackburn insists that this is deceptive conduct and brokerage fee should be lumped together with interest charge and thus CCV breach the Qld law