Last mile delivery drivers and gig economy couriers have gathered at Western Australia’s Parliament House, calling for urgent legislative reform to extend protections to smaller transport operators.
Members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU WA), including workers from small business, parcel and gig sectors, staged a demonstration in Perth to push for amendments to the state’s Owner Driver (Contracts and Disputes) legislation. The union argued that the current framework excludes a growing portion of the transport workforce.
Under existing laws, protections apply only to vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, covering traditional heavy vehicle owner-drivers and hirers in the freight industry. However, TWU WA said this threshold has created a loophole that leaves last mile delivery drivers, many operating lighter vehicles, without adequate safeguards.
The rally, held on the steps of Parliament House, featured a press conference led by TWU WA State Secretary, Tim Dawson, alongside TWU National Secretary, Michael Kaine.
According to Dawson, the rapid expansion of the parcel and gig economy sectors has outpaced current legislation, exposing drivers to increased risks without corresponding regulatory oversight.
“The law has not kept pace with the changing industry,” said Dawson.
“As last-mile couriers’ responsibilities increase with the growing volume of parcels, so too should maintenance standards, compliance and regulation.”
The TWU is advocating for the legislation to be amended to include vehicles under 4.5 tonnes, a move it says would extend key protections to owner-drivers and parcel couriers operating in the fast-growing last mile segment.
Dawson also called for improved coordination between government agencies, including WorkSafe WA, Main Roads WA and WA Police, to strengthen compliance and reduce the risk of serious incidents on the road.
“The TWU is advocating for stronger communication and coordination between government departments to improve compliance and prevent serious accidents,” he said.
The union maintains that aligning safety and contractual protections across all vehicle classes is critical as the transport sector continues to evolve, particularly with the sustained growth in e-commerce-driven freight volumes.
