Labor has released a discussion paper on how best to benefit from the growing sharing economy sector while still protecting consumers and employees.
A number of issues have emerged since the surge in popularity of sharing economy services such as Uber and Airbnb, including workplace protections, a lack of industry regulation, public safety factors and various models for taxation.
“Labor wants to see Australians share the benefits of the sharing economy. But we also want to make sure we have the right rules in place to protect workers, consumers and the public good as they do so,” the discussion paper said.
“This is a tricky balance and in a fast-moving digital context it will be a challenge to get it right. That is why Labor is inviting public submissions on the important issues raised in this discussion paper. We want to involve Australians in an open conversation about the kind of rules we need to govern the sharing economy – both today and into the future as these services evolve.”
The assistant shadow treasurer, Andrew Leigh, said existing safeguards, which are mainly voluntary, can go only so far.
“Ratings also offer a way for the companies themselves to monitor the quality of the services being delivered under their brand. Drop below four and a half stars and you’ll struggle to keep your job as an Uber driver,” Leigh told reporters on Tuesday.
“But are reputation-based systems good enough to force out dodgy operators and keep consumers safe? Should leaving negative feedback be the only recourse open to someone who feels their rights or wellbeing have been compromised?
“Ensuring these expectations are met within the sharing economy will not necessarily mean extending all the same rules and regulations that apply to traditional operators to these new services.”
Leigh said rather than enacting new regulation, governments could update existing rules to take into account new expectations created by the emerging sector.
It was important to assess how increased insurance, regulation and workplace protection would impact on the cost of services.
“There may be very real benefits in this emerging economy. Getting the rules right will mean millions of Australians can share them,” he said.
Public submissions to the discussion paper close on 1 June.
