Andrew Charlton (Parramatta, Australian Labor Party) | Link to this | Hansard source

I congratulate the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations on his workplace reforms this week. As a former business owner who has employed hundreds of people, I can categorically say that these reforms will improve and modernise our labour market. Unfortunately, as part of a scare campaign, the opposition have called these reforms extreme. Looking around the world at how different jurisdictions have responded to the gig economy, it's clear that claim is just wrong.

Australia's reforms are balanced. Many countries have introduced gig economy laws that are much more interventionist than Australia's new laws. Spain introduced the 2021 Rider Law, recategorising all platform workers as employees and completely eliminating that form of work. Canada, the UK and others struck down independent contracts and forced many gig economy workers to be reclassified as dependent contractors. Many countries have gone even further. Countries like Switzerland, Italy and Turkiye have banned platforms like Uber.

Looking around the world, it's clear that Australia's workplace reforms aren't extreme by international standards. They're sensible. In fact, they are world leading. Australia now has a framework which retains the best of the gig economy, including its flexibility, but also builds in basic protections. I commend the minister, the TWU and the many unions and workers who have advocated these balanced and necessary reforms.

Milton Dick (Speaker) | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.