ARTICLE · 18 JULY 2022

Proposed courier and gig economy changes in Queensland

McCullough Robertson

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Potential new laws will fundamentally change the regulation of couriers & others working in the gig economy.

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The Queensland State Government has introduced laws which, if passed by State Parliament and approved by the Federal Attorney-General, will fundamentally change the regulation of couriers, lorry owner drivers and those working in the gig economy.

The Industrial Relations and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 contains what will be a new chapter of the Industrial Relations Act dealing with independent couriers. These are individuals (who are not employees) who provide a service transporting goods using a courier vehicle (including a car, van, lorry, truck, bicycle or scooter). The proposed changes introduce a range of measures, rights and obligations previously applicable to employment into this part of the workforce who are lawfully classed as independent contractors.

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