Premier

More Time To Have Your Say About The Gig Economy

04 February 2019

The Andrews Labor Government is extending the deadline for submissions to the Inquiry into the On-Demand Workforce.

Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas today noted that there has been a high level of interest from key organisations and has extended the deadline to 20 February 2019, to give Victorians more time to provide submissions.

Organisations with an interest in the gig economy, including Sidekicker, Deliveroo, Expert360, Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Australian Industry Group, the ACTU, the Transport Workers Union and Victorian Trades Hall Council, have indicated their interest in providing submissions.

The Victorian inquiry is the first state-based inquiry to focus on the gig economy and will build on both existing and new information to compile the most comprehensive body of evidence on the operation of the gig economy.

While digital platforms that connect workers to consumers and businesses are giving Victorians more choice and flexibility than ever before, there is currently very little information available about the size of the industry or conditions of the workforce.

A key focus of the inquiry is to explore the arrangements covering workers in the on-demand workforce, looking at the legal status of people working with or for online companies or platforms in Victoria and reviewing the application and effective enforcement of workplace laws.

The inquiry will also gather information about the impact on businesses operating outside of the on-demand economy, addressing concerns about the lack of a level playing field for businesses.

Any Victorian who has participated in the on-demand workforce is encouraged to submit evidence, examples or case studies, with different templates available to help people share their experience.

Submissions are now open until 20 February 2019, with the inquiry expected to deliver a final report to the Government later in the year.

To find out more information and have your say on the impact of the gig economy in Victoria, visit  vic.gov.au/on-demandinquiryExternal Link .

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas

“The gig economy is booming and giving Victorians more choice, more flexibility and more options than ever before, so it’s vital the appropriate checks and balances are keeping up with that growth.”

“We’d encourage all Victorians who are involved in this growing market to have their voices heard and make a submission.”

Quote attributable to Chair of the Victorian Inquiry into the On-Demand Workforce Natalie James

“The input that we receive through the submissions process is critical to helping to shape our understanding of this diverse and evolving sector.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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