Australia's gig-economy workers set for better protections

New laws aimed at giving workers in the gig economy better protections will be unveiled by the federal government today.

Under proposed legislation to be introduced into parliament next week, the Fair Work Commission will be given the power to set minimum standards for hundreds of thousands of workers in the digital economy, the Australian Financial Review reports.

Under the changes, workers' pay and unfair dismissal conditions will be protected by the commission.

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The Albanese government has been lobbied to introduce better protections for workers on digital platforms after the deaths of food delivery drivers.

Trade unions have argued unsafe work practices have contributed to the fatalities.

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke will outline his plan to set minimum standards for workers such as delivery drivers and rideshare operators in a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra today.

It comes after months of negotiations by the government with employers, digital platforms and trade unions.

The reforms will enable parties to apply to the commission for orders including pay, minimum standards, penalty rates and superannuation.

But the legal status of gig workers as independent contractors will stay and they will not be guaranteed the national minimum wage given to employees.

The Transport Workers Union said this month 13 gig economy workers have died on Australian roads.

If passed by federal parliament, the new laws would take effect from July 1, 2024.

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