Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Gig economy

Mr STAIKOS (Bentleigh) (13:01): Gig workers across this state deserve a fair deal, and that is what the Andrews Labor government is delivering. We commissioned a landmark inquiry, which was the most comprehensive piece of work ever conducted in Australia on this issue, which revealed gig work was far more prevalent than previously thought. It found that more than 13 per cent of Australians had been gig workers at some point, and that figure likely increased during the pandemic when gig workers faced huge challenges, working incredibly hard in tough conditions with zero job security to help stop the spread.

When the previous federal government refused to act, our government took on a national leadership role. We put the regulation of the gig economy squarely on the national agenda, with over $10 million in funding so far. On behalf of the Treasurer, I have consulted with gig workers’ platforms and experts on enforceable standards to protect and support our gig workers. These standards will help gig workers better understand their work rights, more easily resolve disputes and secure better conditions and pay.

Our government’s leadership, combined with the advocacy of Trades Hall, the Transport Workers Union and other strong unions, has already prompted many platforms, including DoorDash, Menulog and Hireup, to improve pay standards and work security, because they saw us taking action. Now that we have a Labor government in Canberra we look forward to working with Tony Burke, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, to implement the standards we carefully designed.