Gig Worker Pay Australia Rules Bring New Delivery Rates

Gig worker pay Australia rules introduce new minimum earnings rates for delivery workers, covering Uber Eats and DoorDash drivers from August 17, 2026

A new gig worker pay Australia system has started today, giving food, drink and grocery delivery workers a minimum earnings floor of between $31.30 and $32 an hour. The Fair Work Commission's order covers workers on platforms including Uber Eats and DoorDash and took effect on August 17, 2026.

The change does not turn delivery drivers into regular hourly employees. They will continue to receive payment for individual jobs. The difference is that platforms must check whether a worker's earnings during engaged time reach the required rate. Engaged time runs from accepting a delivery until it is completed.

What Delivery Workers Will Receive

The new rates depend on the vehicle being used. Bike, e-bike and e-scooter riders, as well as workers using no vehicle, have a rate of $31.30 an hour. The rate is $31.50 for motorcycles and scooters and $32 for other eligible motor vehicles up to one tonne.

The rates will rise by 50 cents an hour from January 1, 2027. The order also brings personal accident insurance, dispute processes and representation rights for covered workers.

The new Uber Eats minimum pay arrangement is a safety net rather than a fixed hourly salary. Uber has previously said its model will continue to give delivery workers flexibility while providing a minimum earnings floor. Its official information on the changes is available through the Uber Eats newsroom.

Will Food Delivery Cost More?

That remains unclear. Uber Eats and DoorDash have indicated they will look for operational efficiencies rather than automatically passing the additional costs to customers.

For workers, the bigger question will be how much the new rules change their actual weekly earnings. The answer should become clearer as the system operates and platforms begin making payments under the new standards.

FAQs

1. What is the new pay rate for gig delivery workers?
Rates range from $31.30 to $32 an hour, depending on the vehicle used.

2. Will Uber Eats drivers become employees?
No. They remain platform workers and continue to be paid for individual deliveries.

3. What is engaged time?
It generally covers the period from accepting a delivery until completing it.

4. Will Uber Eats prices increase?
There is no automatic price increase under the new rules.

5. When will the rates increase?
The rates are scheduled to rise by 50 cents an hour from January 1, 2027.