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ARTICLE · 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Injured While Working As A Delivery Driver? New Protections For Gig Workers.

Carroll & O'Dea
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New minimum standards effective from 17 August 2026 introduce personal accident insurance requirements for delivery drivers and riders working through digital platforms like Uber Eats and Deliveroo. These protections address a critical gap for gig economy workers who, as independent contractors, have historically fallen outside traditional workers compensation schemes when injured on the job.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Julia Harrison
Julia Harrison
Julia Dattilo
Julia Dattilo
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From 17 August 2026, new minimum standards have come into effect for certain delivery drivers and riders working in the gig economy, providing greater protection for workers who may be injured while performing delivery work.

The changes apply to eligible “employee-like workers” who are engaged through digital platforms, such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, to provide on-demand deliveries, including the delivery of food, drinks and supermarket groceries.

Why are these changes important?

Delivery drivers and riders working through digital platforms are generally engaged as independent contractors rather than employees.

This distinction is important when a worker is injured. Unlike employees who are generally covered by workers compensation insurance for injuries sustained at work, independent contractors may fall outside the ordinary workers compensation scheme.

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