The Victorian government has launched the  Australian-first Gig Worker Support Service, which aims to provide advice and practical assistance to thousands of on-demand workers across the state.

The support service is partnered by the new Fair Conduct and Accountability Standards designed to improve gig work conditions for an estimated 350,000 Victorian workers in sectors ranging from transport and food delivery to disability support, aged care, and IT.

Taking effect from Monday, the support service will provide information and advice online and over the phone, as well as referring workers to appropriate agencies to resolve disputes.

Gig workers will be able to contact the service for assistance with: understanding their rights, protections and entitlements under workplace and related laws; making informed decisions about working for a platform; and understanding which agencies and other services can help them resolve work disputes.

The support service will also provide advice to platforms on how to sign up for and apply the Fair Conduct and Accountability Standards to their business.

While initially voluntary, the state government expects platforms to adopt the standards and plans to introduce laws to ensure compliance with them.

As part of developing a proposed bill, consultation with unions, platforms, and other stakeholders will occur in due course.

Minister for Industrial Relations Tim Pallas said the new standards and support service will help rebalance the dynamics of the gig economy.

“The service will give gig workers certainty where they have too often lacked support and information on their working arrangements, or any way to challenge unfair practices.”

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