The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) is offering dispute resolution services for gig economy couriers who work for online ordering and delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo.
The changes to the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act 2005 means that gig economy couriers can now take their business disputes to the VSBC with the changes recently made to the and access confidential, working, low-cost mediation service.
The change in the law amended the definition of “freight broker”, ensuring that couriers employed through third-party platforms are now afforded the same protections as traditional owner-drivers like goods and freight drivers. It also stipulates that couriers should be paid within 30 days.
The amendment serves as a response to a government review that found many hirers and brokers weren’t providing cost schedules and contracts to the couriers, leaving them more prone to safety and income risks.
Commissioner Judy O’Connell has supported the change and has welcomed the enactment of the measure throughout Victoria.
“This new function means that when mediation isn’t successful or where both parties agree it’s unlikely to succeed, the VSBC can arrange for a final decision – a binding determination – to be made to keep the dispute out of court,” Commissioner O’Connell said.
“We have also had gig economy couriers who have come to us after having their contract terminated with no right of response, simply because they received a customer satisfaction rating below a certain level. In a lot of instances, it’s just not worthwhile taking these matters to court because of the high costs involved – costs that are prohibitive for a lot of small-business owners,” Commissioner O’Connell added.
“This important change means gig economy couriers will have access to a quick, effective and binding dispute resolution process that will help them get back to business sooner.”
