As part of what is often called the “gig economy”, digital platforms such as Uber, Freelancer and Mable can connect workers with individuals or businesses looking to obtain services of various kinds on demand.
CDWI has released a new report prepared by Associate Professor Penny Williams, Professor Andrew Stewart, Professor Paula McDonald, Professor Robyn Mayes, Associate Professor Trish Obst, Catherine Kennon, Alicia Feldman and Phuong Anh Tran, presents findings from a nationally representative survey undertaken in 2023 on this type of work in Australia. One of the largest of its type anywhere in the world, the survey was a follow-up to a groundbreaking study in 2019, which revealed for the first time how many workers were earning income in this way.
Digital Platform Work in Australia: Findings from a 2023 national survey draws on more than 14,600 usable survey responses, and the 2023 results reveal that, as in other countries, participation in digital platform work in Australia has notably increased in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of platforms has grown and the types of work organised and performed in this way continue to diversify.
The great majority of platform work is performed to supplement earnings from other sources, rather than as a sole source of income. However, digital platform workers are increasingly reliant on this additional income.
The report reveals the experiences of digital platform workers, including the benefits of such work, as well as the risks and difficulties faced by workers who seek to earn an income through digital labour platforms in Australia.
Digital Platform Work in Australia: Findings from a 2023 national survey is available on eprints.