STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr BURNELL (Spence) (13:35): I think it's safe to say that we all know the feeling of getting home after a long day at work and having absolutely no desire to step into the kitchen and cook dinner. For some these days, a meal can be only a few taps away, with Australians able to open an app, place an order and have food delivered directly to their door. Behind that convenience, however, are thousands of delivery workers who head out in rain, hail or shine to get those orders where they need to go.

For too long, many of these workers have been among the most vulnerable in our economy, without the basic pay protections Australians should reasonably expect at work. That is now changing thanks to the Albanese Labor government, the Fair Work Commission and the Transport Workers' Union. From 17 August, gig economy food delivery workers will benefit from a new minimum pay rate of $31.30 an hour, delivering greater security and certainty for the people working in this growing industry.

These world-first protections recognise a simple principle—new technology and new ways of working should never mean leaving basic workplace standards behind, because every worker deserves fairness, dignity and proper recognition for the work they perform. I really want to say a huge thank you to the hard work from the Transport Workers' Union over a number of years to be able to make this come into effect.

Young riders like Nabin here in Canberra have really relied on the certainty of outcomes like this, and I couldn't be prouder to be part of a government that's delivering such.