What is the minimum pay for food delivery riders in Australia?

From 17 August 2026, the Fair Work Commission's minimum standards order [MS900103] sets an engaged-time safety net for app-based food and grocery delivery workers: $31.30/hour on foot, bicycle or e-bike, $31.50/hour by motorcycle, and $32.00/hour by car (up to 1 tonne). Rates step up on 1 January 2027 ($31.80/$32.00/$32.50) and index to the Annual Wage Review from 2028.

What counts as 'engaged time' for delivery pay?

Engaged time runs from when you accept an engagement to when you complete it, recorded by the app — a bundle of multiple orders counts from first accept to final delivery. Breakdowns, breaks and abandoned engagements are excluded, and a platform can only exclude evidenced 'non-engaged time' after a two-strike notification process.

Is the delivery minimum averaged or per hour?

Averaged. Over an earnings period the platform sets (maximum 21 days), your total pay for engaged work must be at least your engaged hours multiplied by the safety-net rate. If it falls short, the platform must top up the difference in the next earnings period or within 7 days after it.

Does the minimum standards order cover rideshare or parcel delivery?

No. The interim order covers employee-like workers delivering food, beverages and groceries ordered for immediate delivery through a digital platform. Rideshare driving and parcel/courier work are not covered, and neither are vehicles with a carrying capacity over 1 tonne.

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Check your delivery platform pay against the Fair Work Commission's minimum standards order — the engaged-time minimum rate for food and grocery delivery workers.

Last verified: 14 August 2026

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