Australia introduces interim wage floor and insurance for gig food delivery workers

Effective today, an interim Fair Work Commission order sets a minimum pay floor for food and grocery delivery drivers, ensuring at least $31.30 per hour for engaged time, with higher rates for motorcycles ($31.80) and cars ($32). The rule applies to platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash and requires them to assess earnings over a rolling 21-day period, topping up wages when averages dip below the floor. While waiting for new orders remains unpaid, time spent at restaurants after accepting a job is compensated.

The standards also mandate a baseline personal accident insurance offering and obligate platforms to consult workers on major changes, alongside new dispute-resolution and feedback forums. Approximately 250,000 gig workers stand to benefit, a change made possible by the Albanese government’s “Closing Loopholes” reforms that gave the commission authority over “employee-like” contractors. Union leaders and academics note the measures as a historic step toward greater security for gig labour.