Joane Roche has been a driver for about 18 years, and a gig worker driving for a rideshare company for the past seven.
Gig workers like her will now have minimum standards at work, after the federal government's package of industrial relations reforms secured support from Greens and some crossbench MPs.
More than a quarter of a million Australians will now have additional protections against exploitation at work, with limits to be set on pay, penalty rates, superannuation, payment terms, record-keeping, insurance and deactivation.
Joane told The Feed she was supportive of the reforms but anxious and sceptical to see how they'd be enforced by the rideshare companies.
"I'm for the rights of the people," she said.
"It's a one-sided partnership in my industry as a gig worker. The laws are not always being followed properly."
'Deliveries have dropped day by day'
Joane said she believes the government's bill means gig workers would ultimately take home more pay.
"This industry is not going to die. It's here forever because people want transport. So we've got to make it work so drivers are all taking home good pay, independent or contracted."
Delivery rider Harsh told The Feed he thought the bill was heading in the right direction.
"I think it’s a good step because the pay from deliveries is getting less day by day."
The number of orders he gets as a rider "has dropped significantly compared to last year because people can’t afford takeaway these days and the riders are increasing."
The bill also enables the Fair Work Commission to set minimum standards for the road transport industry, including the charge-out rates of independent contractor owner-drivers, and therefore their rate of pay.
'Watershed moment' but scepticism remains
Transport Workers' Union national secretary Michael Kaine told The Feed the bill's passing was a "watershed moment for the transport industry."
“When this reform comes into effect, gig economy workers will gain rights and protections that cannot be evaded by words in a contract or a classification label.
"This is a sophisticated, world-first solution to a global industrial crisis. Australia is leading the way to eradicating century-old exploitation that resurfaced under the guise of newfangled tech."
He said the union has been campaigning for years for enforceable standards to "address deadly pressures in road transport".
"This reform will save lives, will quell the threat of exploitative gig competition, and will make transport businesses more viable."
One delivery driver said it was too early to tell if the reform would have a genuine effect on improving conditions.
"Ask in a month or two when apps are forced to make changes to operate under 'minimum standards'. There are many factors to consider," he said.
"Will riders allowed online be restricted or will it be unlimited. Minimum wage pay for time on delivery or for online time? Will apps increase delivery fees on the customer side?"
Another rider said setting minimum standards could see rideshare companies creating complicated rules and it doesn't fix the problem that riders have no guarantee of when their next delivery is coming.
"I’m sure (the companies) will use their algorithm to benefit them rather than the riders," she said.
Employment Minister Tony Burke said the laws heralded the end of people forced to stay in casual employment by providing a pathway to permanent work and introduced world-leading minimum standards for gig workers.
Burke previously said: "if there's a tiny bit extra you pay when your pizza arrives and they're more likely to be safe on the roads, then I reckon it's a pretty small price to pay".
Who supported the bill? And who didn't?
Independent senators David Pocock and Lidia Thorpe supported the reforms alongside the Greens after securing a number of amendments.
The federal Opposition has refused to support the changes, saying they'll stifle flexibility and put undue burdens and costs onto small businesses.
"None of the measures are designed to improve productivity, jobs, growth and investment which are the ingredients of a successful economy,'' shadow attorney-general Michaelia Cash said.
"Workers already have legal protections against unreasonable working hours,'' Cash said.
Liberal senator Matt O'Sullivan called it: "the single worst piece of industrial relations policy for three decades".
Business groups have warned the overall package of workplace changes will add unnecessary costs and complexity to their operations.
With additional reporting by AAP.
