From August 17, eligible food, drink and grocery delivery drivers across Australia will receive a minimum pay rate of $31.30 per hour under new Fair Work Commission standards.

The new rules will cover gig workers delivering through online platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash.

The minimum rate is higher than Australia’s current national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour.

Importantly, the new standard includes payment for engaged time, covering the period from accepting a delivery job until the order is completed.

Delivery platforms will also be required to provide personal accident insurance for workers while they are on the job.

However, drivers will still be responsible for maintaining third-party insurance for vehicles used for deliveries.

The changes are expected to strengthen workplace protections for around 250,000 gig workers while allowing them to maintain the flexibility of delivery work.