Delivery work is a popular way for international students in Australia to earn money alongside their studies. Now, new rules are set to introduce stronger pay and workplace protections for many people working in the gig economy.
From 17 August 2026, eligible on-demand food and grocery delivery workers will be covered by new minimum standards, including a minimum hourly rate starting at $31.30 per hour.
The changes follow a landmark decision by Australia’s Fair Work Commission (FWC), which has introduced an industry-wide safety net for certain delivery workers.
Here’s what international students working, or thinking about working, in delivery services need to know.
What is changing for delivery workers?
The new rules apply to eligible ‘employee-like’ workers who use digital platforms to complete on-demand deliveries of food, drinks and supermarket groceries.
Under the new standards, covered workers will receive minimum hourly rates starting at $31.30, with rates reaching $32 depending on the type of vehicle used. These minimum rates are scheduled to increase by another 50 cents from 1 January 2027.
Importantly, the minimum rates are designed to account for time spent waiting during an accepted delivery job – such as waiting at a restaurant for an order – rather than only the time spent physically transporting an order.
The rules are expected to apply across on-demand platforms covered by the order, rather than being limited to the companies involved in developing the proposal. You can find more information about who is covered on the Fair Work Commission’s on-demand delivery case page.
Delivery workers will receive other protections too
The changes aren't just about pay.
Digital platforms covered by the order will also be required to organise and pay for personal accident insurance that provides a reasonable minimum level of cover for delivery workers.
Workers will remain responsible for maintaining the appropriate third-party insurance for the vehicle they use to make deliveries.
The minimum standards also introduce rules covering areas such as dispute resolution, records, consultation, unpaid time away from work and information sharing.
What does this mean for international students?
Gig work can be attractive to international students because of its flexibility. Depending on the platform and type of work, you may be able to choose when you're available and fit deliveries around classes, assignments and other commitments.
The new minimum standards could provide greater certainty about what eligible delivery workers can expect to earn while completing on-demand work.
However, it's important to remember that the $31.30 rate doesn't necessarily mean every delivery worker will simply receive $31.30 for every hour they're logged into an app. The rules apply to workers and work covered by the new order, and how payable time is calculated depends on the conditions contained in that order.
Before starting delivery work, make sure you understand how your platform calculates your pay, what insurance you need and which expenses you will need to cover yourself.
What should you do if you already work as a delivery driver?
If you're currently completing food or grocery deliveries, it's a good idea to familiarise yourself with the changes before they take effect on 17 August 2026.
Check information provided by your delivery platform and review the Fair Work Commission's information on the new minimum standards to understand whether the order covers your work.
It's also worth keeping your own records of when you work and how much you're paid. This can make it easier to identify any issues with your earnings.
If you think you're being underpaid or treated unfairly at work, you can find information and support through the Fair Work Ombudsman.
