Thousands of gig economy and road transport workers across New South Wales are now set to receive long-awaited protections, with the Minns Labor Government successfully passing major industrial relations reforms in Parliament.
Dylan Anderson
The new legislation modernises the NSW Industrial Relations Act, extending its protections to include transport gig workers—such as rideshare drivers and couriers—who have previously operated with limited legal safeguards.
The changes follow extensive consultation with unions, industry stakeholders, and the broader community, and align with the Federal Government’s recent push to improve conditions for gig workers nationwide.
Equal Rights for Modern Workforces
Under the updated legislation, eligible gig workers in the transport sector will have the right to apply to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) for binding rulings on their pay and working conditions—similar to those already enjoyed by traditional transport workers such as taxi drivers and couriers.
Key features of the new laws include:
- The ability for platform companies, workers, or unions to seek determinations from the IRC on fair and reasonable pay.
- New legal protections and enforcement mechanisms for gig workers.
- Expanded access to contract determinations and agreements under Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act.
- Offences of accessorial liability for supply chain actors who breach the law.
- Measures to ensure all operators in the road transport chain can recover their costs fairly.
Importantly, existing exemptions for livestock and produce transport—common in rural and regional NSW—will remain in place, in line with federal rules.
Dylan Anderson
Building a Fairer NSW for All Workers
NSW Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said the reforms represent a critical step forward in creating a fairer and more inclusive industrial system for modern workforces.
“This new legislation will enable our Industrial Relations system to be fit for purpose when it comes to gig workers in the transport sector,” Minister Cotsis said.
“The public relies on gig workers in the transport industry every day, and workers can rely on us for the same legal protections.”
“This is an important step in supporting the thousands of gig workers to ensure they have the same industrial rights to access the Industrial Relations Commission.”
What It Means for NSW
This landmark legislation marks a turning point for workers in one of the fastest-growing parts of the economy. By recognising the unique nature of gig work while providing a pathway to legal protections and wage fairness, NSW is leading the way in addressing the challenges of modern employment.
Whether it’s a rideshare driver in Parramatta or a courier in Wollongong, these reforms aim to deliver dignity, fairness, and stability—creating a stronger, safer system for all road users and transport workers.
As implementation rolls out, gig workers, unions, and platform companies will now be able to engage with the NSW IRC to shape fair and enforceable working arrangements across the state.
Dylan Anderson
