Goods, Services Could Cost More After Gig Economy Reform: Workplace Minister Admits

Employment and Workplace Minister Tony Burke speaks during the jobs and skills summit at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Sept. 1, 2022. Martin Ollman/Getty Images

Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke has admitted that setting minimum pay rates for gig economy workers—like Uber drivers—will result in higher costs for customers.

“Well, underpaying people is cheaper. Yeah, it is. Slavery is probably cheaper; too,” he told the National Press Club on Aug. 31.