Justine Elliot (Richmond, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. How is the Albanese Labor government delivering a better deal for gig workers, and how does this compare to other approaches?

Amanda Rishworth (Kingston, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'd like to thank the member for Richmond for her question. She is a champion for working people, and part of this government that is delivering for Australians.

The Albanese Labor government is delivering a better deal for gig workers by introducing reforms to ensure minimum standards for workers engaged on digital platforms while preserving the flexibility they want. For too long these workers fell through the cracks of our workplace relations system, with many relying on tips to survive. Our Labor government does not believe that this is the Australian way, which is why we introduced important changes to protect these workers. Today we are seeing these reforms in action.

Our laws have brought together the Transport Workers' Union, Uber and DoorDash to the table to reach a groundbreaking agreement which will now be passed by the Fair Work Commission after consideration. If approved by the Fair Work Commission, this agreement, delivered by our reforms, will mean that, for the first time, platform food delivery drivers will have a minimum floor that protects their pay and represents life-changing increases to their income. Workers will also benefit from better conditions and have stronger rights to representation, dispute resolution and protection if injuries or accidents occur. The companies will also benefit from a stable workforce and a level playing field on pay and conditions. This is what cooperative and productive workplace relations looks like.

This morning I met with Nabin, a delivery driver here in Canberra, who told me that, if approved, this agreement means that, when you're ordering food, the driver who brings food to your door will be getting paid decently—getting paid what he or she deserves.

I'm asked if there are any alternative approaches. The alternative approach was that of the coalition. While they were in government, they ignored the calls from these essential workers for a better, fairer industry. Of course, when they had the chance to support our important protections, the Liberal and National Party voted against them, arguing that a lack of minimum standards was a good model and working well. The question for the Leader of the Opposition is whether rolling back these important protections for some of our lowest paid workers is still part of their agenda to save her leadership. We know that just a few weeks back, when asked about rolling back Labor's important workplace reforms, her answer was, 'We'll look at it all.' Well, our government is looking after workers while they remain divided. (Time expired)