Parliamentary Committees

Select Committee on the Gig Economy

Adjourned debate on motion of Hon. R.A. Simms:

That the report of the select committee be noted.

(Continued from 19 June 2024.)

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (22:39): I rise briefly to speak in support of the motion. Firstly, I would like to thank my predecessor, the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos, for her role as the Chair of this committee prior to her resignation. I would also like to note her lifelong commitment to working people, which saw her move for this committee to be established. Irene understood, as all who advocate for safe and humane working conditions do, that the rights people have fought for must be defended actively. As such, it is important to stay in touch with the experiences and perspectives of the modern worker in the modern workforce.

The gig economy is undeniably a part of that modern workforce. As Irene said, and is quoted in the Chairperson foreword of this report:

The flexibility of the gig economy is often promoted as modernising and positive to both workers and businesses. In reality, the gig economy works by undercutting the traditional model of employment upon which many of our rules for worker protection are based.

Further:

To let the issues of this unregulated labour market go unaddressed would be to abandon an increasing number of the workforce to the possibility of mistreatment and exploitation.

As I am sure everyone is aware, the federal government passed legislation at the beginning of this year to lay the groundwork for minimum standards for the gig economy. This is an important step and a good start, but there is more work still to be done to ensure that these workers receive the rights that they are entitled to. Some of the steps that can be taken are contained within the report of the select committee, and I would encourage all honourable members to read it.

The gig economy is still expanding, and I seriously doubt this will be the last time that we discuss it here in this place. The recommendations contained in the report aim to safeguard the health and safety of gig workers and ensure that they are protected from the risk of intentional and unintentional exploitation. In closing, I would like to thank the individuals, organisations and unions that submitted evidence to the committee. I would also like to thank the Hon. Rob Simms, who took up the role of Chairperson of the committee seamlessly. I commend the motion to the council.

The Hon. R.A. SIMMS (22:42): I also want to thank all the members for their contribution to this committee. I again want to acknowledge, as I did when I made my broader remarks on the report, the leadership of the Hon. Irene Pnevmatikos, who established this committee. I think there are some worthwhile recommendations that I look forward to being able to progress and work with the government on.

Indeed, one of those I have already taken up with a motion, which will be coming to a vote in due course, which looks at the role of the Productivity Commission. In particular, it identifies some areas for reform. I thank members for their contribution, in particular those members who were part of the committee.

Motion carried.